Olympic Winter Games Best Bets: Men’s Hockey (2/18)
The quarter-finals of the Men’s Hockey Olympic Winter Games are underway. The United States will take on Sweden at 3:10 pm ET, sitting as just -260 favorites. Things are about to get interesting.
Here are a couple of best bets for the quarter-final matchups.
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Wednesday’s Best Winter Olympics Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Switzerland vs. Finland (Men’s Hockey)
Finland finished the Group Stage with a record of 2-1, which included wins against Sweden and Italy, in which they scored at least four goals in each game. Finland defeated Italy 11-0 to reach this game against Switzerland.
That said, Finland also lost to Slovakia by a score of 4-1, to begin the Olympics.
On the other hand, Switzerland earned wins over Czechia (in overtime) and Italy. It also shut out Italy, earning a 3-0 win. Clearly, Finland has more offensive firepower heading into this game. Beyond that, Kevin Fiala isn’t available for Switzerland, which certainly isn’t helping the offense.
It seems like Finland has figured things out. Let’s back Finland -1.5.
Pick: Finland -1.5 (+106)
Sweden vs. Team USA (Men’s Hockey)
Team USA is ready for its first real challenge of the Olympics. They’ll take on a Sweden team that went 2-1 to begin the Olympics. Sweden lost to Finland, but added wins against Slovakia and Latvia, scoring five goals in each, heading into this game.
Sweden has looked good defensively with some veterans on the squad. Still, the team has allowed at least three goals in two of its first three Olympic games. It’s fair to expect the United States to score at a reasonable rate in this game. They’ve had no standout goalie in the Olympics, and that’s really hurt them.
On the other hand, the United States has started slowly many times during the Olympics. But look for that to change now that we’re in the quarter-finals. They’ll be awake. Back Team USA -1.5.
Pick: USA -1.5 (-108)