Team Canada defeated Finland in regulation time on Monday to secure their spot in the 4 Nations Face-Off Finals. This win sets up a rematch with Team USA, who had defeated Canada 3-1 on in the round-robin game between the rivals on Saturday night. The Championship game will take place on Thursday evening with puck drop at 8pm EST.
Canada was a very slight favorite in the round-robin game, but it looks like the Finals is a complete pick’em with both nations having odds of -110 to win the game at most sportsbooks I’ve looked at. The over/under for the game is set at 5.5 goals with the under being more likely, meaning oddsmakers are expecting a defensive battle on Thursday night. BetOnIt.org, a website that provides betting guides for sporting events, has a guide available for anyone interested in betting on the 4 Nations Face-Off Finals.
Injury News
Team USA has some injury concerns heading into the finals. Charlie McAvoy will not play in the finals due to an upper-body injury. Key players Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews also missed the final round-robin game vs Sweden, but it’s likely both players are able to play in the Championship game. Brady Tkachuk also left the game vs Sweden with a lower body injury, but initial reports indicate he will be able to suit up for the Finals.
On the Canada side, Cale Makar, the most important defenceman for Team Canada was back in the lineup for their must-win game vs the Finns after missing the round-robin game vs the Americans. Makar looked good in that game and should be ready to take a big role on the blue line in the Championship game.
Tournament Leaders
Sidney Crosby (Team Canada) and Zach Werenski (Team USA) currently lead the tournament with 5 points each. Jake Guenztel, Connor McDavid, and Jack Eichel are all close to the lead with 4 points as well.
Jake Guentzel (Team USA) and Nathan MacKinnon (Team Canada) lead the tournament in goals with 3 each (along with Granlund from Team Finland).
The top point scorer and goal scorer will be decided in Thursday’s game.
Goaltenders
Connor Hellebuyck should be back in goal for Team USA in the Championship game after taking a game off in the final round-robin vs Sweden, seeing as the USA was already qualified for the Finals. Hellebuyck has been terrific in his two outings so far only allowing 1 goal against both the Finns and Canadians en route to a .957 save percentage.
Jordan Binnington will likely be back in goal for the 4th consecutive game for Team Canada. Binnington has been solid, but 3 late goals against Finland on Monday have hurt his stats. He has given up 8 goals across the 3 games and has a .892 save percentage.
