Let’s do some hockey tonight, shall we? Those of you that follow my work know I’m a hoop head, which leaves very little time for watching hockey. But on Thursday night, we’re going to do just that. While going through the grind of the college basketball season, the NBA All-Star break allowed some time to at least keep an eye on the 4 Nations Face-Off that’s been going on, and the product has been fantastic. It all culminates with plenty of drama on Thursday night in Boston, with the United States and Canada meeting in the Final. The game seems appropriately priced, right around a pick’em, but I’ll be taking a different betting angle in this one.
Canada vs. USA (Thursday 8:20pm ET – Boston, MA)
As of early Thursday morning, the betting splits for USA vs. Canada on DraftKings Sportsbook show about two-thirds of the action coming in on USA — both on the moneyline and puck line. However, I was surprised to see roughly three of every four bets coming in on the over. Despite all the action, under 5.5 goals remains heavily juiced to -130, and has touched -135.
USA has been consistent throughout this 4 Nations Face-Off, allowing just one goal in each of the previous three games. While USA blew out Finland 6-1 in the opening game, the last two have fallen under, finishing 3-1 and 2-1. That 3-1 score came on Saturday night in Montreal, as USA defeated Canada in enemy territory.
On Thursday, Canada will have an opportunity for some revenge. I expect this game to be played with the same intensity we saw from USA and Canada on Saturday, but with even more of that big Game 7-esque feel to it. Look for a grinder of a game here, decided by a late goal in regulation or overtime. I’ll predict a 2-1 or 3-2 final in this one, which puts me on the under for the USA vs. Canada 4 Nations Face-Off Final.
USA vs. Canada Pick: UNDER 5.5 (-130) 1-unit
