CANADA VS RUSSIA LATEST ODDS INDICATE CANADA FAVOURED FOR 3-2 VICTORY

What a massive clash this is! Full of history and rivalry, this is one of the biggest fixtures in sports that only comes around a few times per generation- a sporting event that brings two nations together for something worth a lot more than bragging rights or medals.
Canada vs Russia is probably the biggest moment of the Olympics for many host nations fans. Not to minimize any of the accomplishments of any other athletes, but it is virtually useless to argue that this isn’t the business-end of the games for the average sports fan.
Canada is the favourite to win the match according to virtually every bookie and betting exchange. Popular UK bookmaker Ladbrokes has listed Canada at even money to win the match within 60 minutes. Alexandre Ovechkin’s Russia trade at 2.87 to win, while the 60 minute draw pays out at a price of 4.33.

In terms of outright winner after everything is sorted (overtime and penalties) Canada are listed at a slim 1.66 price to progress to the next stage of the tournament. Russia are just above evens at 2.1. Granted, these prices all go out the window once the first goal is scored so if you’re looking to back Canada, but want more value, try betting on them if Russia score the first goal. You’ll get an exponentially better price and in hockey things can change in a second.
Canada are odds-on to score the first goal though, with a price of 1.8 against Russia’s 2.1. No goals at all pays out at 34.0.
The bookies seem to favour around 6 or 7 goals in this match with the main over/under set at 5.5. Russia’s individual over/under is at 2.5 with each option paying 1.83. Canada’s over/under is also 2.5, but the over only pays 1.57 while the under trades at 2.25.
If you think Canada are going to run away with this one and win by a decent amount, you can back them (-1.5) at 2.75 while Russia (+1.5) is listed at 1.4. If you think Russia are going to dominate the match, try them at (-1.5) at a 4.33 price.
Do you think Canada is going to open with a blockbuster first period? If so, you can back them to win the 1st period (-1.5) at a whopping 6.0. You can take Russia by the same margin at an 8.5 price. The over/under on the 1st period is 1.5 goals with the over at 1.7 and the under paying 2.05. The favoured outcome in the 1st period correct score market is Canada 1-0 at 4.5 while a 0-0 draw pays 5.0 and Russia 1-0 rewards at 5.5- the same price as a 1-1 draw. Canada up 2-1 after the 1st is a solid 11.0.
In terms of the outright correct score, the slimmest margin is 13.0 on Canada to win 3-2. You’ll find a solid price listed on 2-2 and 3-3, which both trade at 15.0. I actually like Canada to win 4-2 as I think 3-2 going into the final minute or two is plausible, but Canada would likely add an empty netter. You’ll find 4-2 to the Canucks at a solid 17.0. Russia’s shortest price is 15.0 on a 3-2 victory with their next best-priced option being a 2-1 or 4-2 win at 23.0.
Canada remain the favourite to win the competition, but serious questions remain about the team. This is the biggest possible stage for the average fan- Stanley Cups come along once a year, but an important Olympic fixture against the Russians comes along only once a decade, if that. The hearts and souls of a nation rest on the shoulders of Roberto Luongo and Sidney Crosby. If Canada are going to make a statement- the time is now.