4 Nations Face-Off: Canada vs USA Championship Betting Preview

The first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off will come down to Thursday’s matchup between the two teams that everyone believed would be in the championship – Team Canada and Team USA. The puck drop is scheduled to drop at 8 PM ET at the TD Garden in Boston. The Canadians secured their spot in the grand finale with a dominant 5-3 victory over Finland on Monday where their superstars shined. As for the Americans, they beat Canada 3-1 last Saturday, solidifying a spot in the big game. This is surely going to be another mouth-watering game between two bitter rivals.

Canada vs USA history

These two teams have met 20 times, with Canada winning 14. Before the States’ victory on Saturday, their last meeting was in 2016. The Canadians ran out as 4-2 winners en route to the title at the World Cup of Hockey. This is the best American roster ever assembled, so Canada definitely has their work cut out for them, as they saw last weekend.

Canada seeking revenge

Team Canada always knew their toughest test in the 4 Nations was going to be the Americans. That became a harsh reality on Saturday evening, losing 3-1 to their foes at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The States’ solid blue line and goaltending shined, completely shutting down Connor McDavid and Co. Other than the Edmonton Oilers superstar’s opening goal, he didn’t do much.

But, the Canadians responded with their backs up against the wall on Monday, beating Finland. Jon Cooper’s squad came out to play, with all the big guns showing up and getting the job done. McDavid once again opened the scoring, while Nathan MacKinnon also tallied a pair of goals. Sidney Crosby, who registered three points in the first game, also got in on the action, scoring and setting up another. While the Canadians were dealt a scare with three Finnish goals in the third, they held on. Jordan Binnington made 23 saves in goal and played a lot better after allowing a couple of weak goals against the States.

Cale Makar also returned after missing the US game due to illness. His impact was immediately felt and the Colorado Avalanche defenceman had more ice time than any other Canadian player. Makar should definitely make a difference on Thursday as Canada looks to take down the Americans. They have -110 odds at Sports Interaction.

Can USA get it done on home soil?

As previously mentioned, this could be the most star-studded roster Team USA has ever put together for a major tournament. They’ve fully lived up to expectations, going 2-1. The loss to Sweden on Monday wasn’t exactly warranted either because they sat a lot of their main guys.

In the opener, the States pummeled Finland 6-1, scoring five goals in a span of 23 minutes. Then against Canada, Jake Guentzel led the charge with a pair of goals. He’s up to three goals in the event, but several others are doing their part. The Tkachuk Brothers have combined for five points, while Jack Eichel and Zach Werenski have both contributed nicely as playmakers.

It’s no secret that Canada has a very electric offense, but if the Americans can contain McDavid and Co. again, they’re going to have a realistic chance of winning the championship here. Hellebuyck will also be key, having only allowed two goals in the tournament. He’s arguably the best netminder in the world right now. Team USA has similar odds as the Canadians at NHL sportsbooks.