Get ready for an exciting day of Olympic hockey action! Today, we're diving into the predictions and best bets for Sunday, February 15th. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce as teams battle for their Olympic dreams.
First up, we have Switzerland taking on Czechia. This game is a crucial one, as the winner will secure a higher seed moving into the qualifying playoff round. I'm putting my money on the Czech Republic, and here's why. The full-game total is predicted to be around 4.5 goals, but I believe we'll see at least three goals, pushing the total to 5.5. Czechia, with a negative goal differential, is likely to adopt a more aggressive strategy, aiming to generate more offense. I'm targeting the Czech Team Total Over 2.5 goals at -120 odds.
Now, let's talk about some individual player props. Damien Riat of Switzerland is an intriguing pick, especially considering the injury to Kevin Fiala, who will be out for the rest of the Olympics and the regular season for the Los Angeles Kings. Riat is a great replacement, and his odds vary across different sportsbooks, so be sure to shop around!
Here are my picks for this game:
- Czechia Team Total Over 2.5 (-120) - 1 unit
- Damien Riat Anytime Goal (+950) - 0.10 units
- David Pastrnak Anytime Goal (+115) - 0.25 units
- Martin Necas Anytime Goal (+195) - 0.15 units
- Ondrej Palat Anytime Goal (+290) - 0.05 units
Next, we have the highly anticipated match between Canada and France. Canada is a massive favorite at -20000, but that doesn't mean we can't find value in this game. Canada has been on a defensive roll, conceding just one goal in their last four-plus Olympic games with NHL players. To cash our bet on the Over 7.5, we need Canada to score at least seven goals, and I think they can do it! France has struggled defensively, giving up six goals to the Czech Republic and four to Switzerland. Canada's firepower is unmatched, and I believe they'll show no mercy in this game.
The tiebreakers are also an interesting factor. Canada and the United States are currently tied in points, and the top seed will be determined by goal differential, total goals scored, and finally, the 2020 IIHF Men's Hockey World Ranking. Canada is currently leading in goal differential (+9) and goals scored (9), and they're ranked number one in the world.
For this game, I'm focusing on player props. Macklin Celebrini is an anytime goal pick at +100 odds, and I'm also considering his first-period goal at +420. Additionally, Connor McDavid's first-period goal is an enticing option at +310.
My picks for this game:
- Over 7.5 (+100) - 1 unit
- Macklin Celebrini Anytime Goal (+100) - 0.50 units
- Macklin Celebrini 1st Period Goal (+420) - 0.05 units
- Connor McDavid 1st Period Goal (+310) - 0.15 units
In the final game of the day, Germany faces off against the United States. Team USA had a less-than-impressive performance against Denmark, with some concerns about their goalie, Jeremy Swayman. However, they still managed to pull off a 6-3 win. Germany, on the other hand, is looking to win Group B and advance to the quarterfinals with a regulation win over the USA.
I'm expecting a high-scoring game, and I'm going with the Over 6.5 goals at -115 odds. There are also some intriguing player props to consider. Leon Draisaitl has 21 goals in 30 games against USA's expected goalie, Connor Hellebuyck. JJ Peterka has also found success against Hellebuyck, with two goals in five games.
On the USA side, Brady Tkachuk and Brock Nelson are leading the team in goals, each with two. Matt Boldy scored his first Olympic goal on Saturday and has a solid record against Germany's expected starter, Philipp Grubauer.
Here are my picks for this game:
- Over 6.5 (-115) - 1 unit
- Leon Draisaitl Anytime Goal (+220) - 0.25 units
- Tim Stutzle Anytime Goal (+330) - 0.15 units
- JJ Peterka Anytime Goal (+350) - 0.05 units
- Jack Hughes Anytime Goal (+275) - 0.15 units
- Matt Boldy Anytime Goal (+200) - 0.15 units
- Brock Nelson Anytime Goal (+310) - 0.15 units
- Brady Tkachuk Anytime Goal (+145) - 0.15 units
Remember, these picks are based on my analysis, but feel free to do your own research and shop around for the best odds. Let's see how these predictions play out! Don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments. Are you backing any underdogs today? Or do you think the favorites will dominate? Let's discuss!
