Canada vs. United States Prediction: 2019 IIHF World Hockey Championship Odds
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Andrew Rogers
The Canadians earned a 5-0 win over Denmark on Monday to move into second place in Group A, and can bolster their chances of finishing atop the group against the rival Americans, who are coming off a 3-1 win over Germany last time out.
Canada vs. United States Betting Odds
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2:15 p.m. ET
Steel Arena, Kosice, Slovakia
World Hockey Championship Odds and Betting Analysis
This should be one of the most competitive games in group play – and both teams should be plenty motivated heading into this one. The Americans are the underdogs (+100) despite both teams boasting similar tournament resumes through six games, with Canada at +22 and the U.S. at +15. And Canada would love nothing more than to avenge a 4-1 loss the last time these countries faced off in the third-place game at last year’s event in Denmark.
Oddsmakers are expecting this one to be a lower-scoring affair than these teams have become accustomed to in this tournament – and that makes sense, given that both clubs converted the under last time out. But while the number is set at 5.5, bettors have made their feelings known – moving the over all the way to -182 while the U5.5 is set at +150. Four of the last five meetings between the teams have produced at least six goals.
Be sure to read our guide to betting on hockey if you’re new to wagering.
Team Canada
Canada is doing great work at both ends of the ice, and that was on full display in Monday’s one-sided win over Denmark. The Canadians finished with a 34-24 advantage in the shot department while getting a pair of goals from Sam Reinhart and singles from Jonathan Marchessault, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jared McCann. This one was over early, with Canada breaking out to a 3-0 lead before the nine-minute mark of the first period.
Team United States
The United States probably wishes it could have put together a stronger effort in its previous game, though the Germans have played the majority of opponents well in this tournament. Dylan Larkin, James van Riemsdyk and Jack Eichel had the goals for the Americans while Cory Schneider turned aside 24 shots to preserve the win. The U.S. has been sensational on the power play, converting 7-of-14 opportunities to rank second with a 50-percent success rate.