United States vs. Canada Prediction and Picks-4 Nations Face-Off
The United States faces Canada with both teams coming off impressive wins and looking to stamp their ticket into the championship game. USA was dominant in their first game with a 6-1 stomping while Canada jumped out to an early lead but recovered in overtime to win 4-3 and take home a big two points. Who will win this game? Check out our USA vs Canada prediction!
United States Will Lean On Dominant Offense
USA kicked off this tournament with a statement win as their offense scored six goals with four coming in the final period of play. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk scored four goals and added an assist to lead the way but the entire offense stepped up. Jack Eichel, Matt Boldy, and Jake Guentzel combined for two goals and four assists while defensemen Zach Wrenski and Brock Faber added four assists from the point to put the offense.
The offense led the way but the defense also stepped up, allowing only one goal and shutting down Finland in the second and third periods. Zach Werenski and Jaccob Slavin led the top pairing while Brock Faber, Charlie McAvoy, and Adam Fox rounded out the unit by creating turnovers in all three zones and limiting shots on the net. On top of that, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stepped up by stopping 20 of the 21 shots he faced.
Canada Looks For Offense to Fuel Victory
Canada stepped up in their first game with their offense leading the way, scoring four goals with two in the first period. Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner, and Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals and three assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense stepped up as well. Mark Stone and Brad Marchand combined for two goals while Connor McDavid, Seth Jarvis, and Brayden Point added three assists to round out the forward unit and make it tough to stop.
The offense stepped up but the defense struggled, allowing three goals in their first game. Josh Morrissey and Devon Toews led the top two pairings but the rest of the unit struggled, allowing Sweden to carry the puck into the offensive zone and easily find open shots on the net with ease. In addition, goaltender Jordan Binnington struggled in the net, allowing three goals on 26 shots and he looks to rebound in the upcoming game.
Prediction Canada (-110)
This will be a great game between two of the best teams in the tournament. The United States has all the pieces in place to pull off the upset but Canada looks to step up in front of the Montreal crowd and take over this game from the first period. Canada looks to pile on the goals with Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with quick passes. Canada looks to bounce back after allowing three goals and limiting the USA offense with Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Jordan Binningto to make plenty of big saves. Canada should win this game with a strong performance on their home ice. Take the Canada money line as home Favorites.
Over 6.5
Both offenses were dominant in the opening night games and this game looks to be a high-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The United States, who scored six goals in their last game, should pile on the goals with Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes. Canada looks to build off a four-goal game and run up the score with Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and the rest of the forward unit crashing the net on the rush and creating open shots with effective puck movement to overwhelm the USA defense. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game controlled by both offenses. Take the Over on 6.5 goals. It’s the game we’ve all been waiting for in the Four Nations faceoff!
