USA vs. Canada 4 Nations Face-Off Prediction and Preview:
Here are my best bets for Saturday’s USA vs. Canada matchup in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
USA vs Canada (-110, 6.5)
8 p.m. ET
The game that hockey fans have been waiting for since the tournament was announced. Team USA’s Matthew Tkachuk said after Thursday’s win over Finland that he’s been waiting for nine years to play in a tournament like this. Canada’s Drew Doughty had countless agonizing days recovering from an injury in the pre-season, hoping he would get the opportunity to play for Team Canada. Both rosters are “Dream Team” worthy. The speed and skill of MacKinnon, McDavid and Crosby for Canada against the likes of Eichel, Matthews and the Tkachuk brothers, who stole the show for Team USA in their opening game.
As it always does, this game will come down to goaltending. USA’s Connor Hellebuyck recovered from giving up a bad goal to Finland’s Henri Jokiharju and shut the door the rest of the way, stopping 20 of 21 shots. I expect him to face a much heavier workload and more grade-A chances against Canada. USA fans are hoping they get regular-season Hellebuyck and not the playoff version.
Canada’s Jordan Binnington gave up a stinker against Sweden but made a big save late in the third period and a couple of huge stops in overtime that likely helped in the decision to have Binnington start in tonight’s big game. I would give the edge in goal to the USA but by a slight margin. The game to be tied after regulation is worth considering. If you like the regulation draw, then I would sprinkle some money on a (3-3) and (4-4) score.
I do believe we get a high-scoring game, and overtime is a possibility. The goal in first 10 minutes prop and first period Over has cashed in both tournament games. I like the first period Over 1.5 more than the goal in first 10 minutes. If the first period Over does not cash, I would double down on the second period Over 1.5.
When it comes to prop plays, I will target the players that I have future bets on who will lead their team in goals and points.
NHL Predictions: 1st Period Over 1.5 (-140) -1 unit
Full game Over 6.5 (+105) – 1 unit
Matt Boldy anytime goal (+410) – ¼ unit
Jack Eichel anytime goal (+310) – ¼ unit
Mark Stone anytime goal (+350) – ¼ unit
Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal (+190) – ¼ unit
(lean) Regulation Draw (+320) – ¼ unit
