CANADA VS USA ODDS FOR MENS HOCKEY AT THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS
We've got a clash today that only comes around once every four years or so, if you're lucky. For hockey purists, it generally doesn't get much better than Canada's finest taking on America's finest in an all-North America clash at the Vancouver Olympics.
The puck is expected to drop at 4:40 Pacific Time.
Canada haven't started quite as brightly as they were expected to and they needed a shoot-out to get a result over the plucky Swiss. But Canada aren't the only team to underwhelm with Russia dropping a match against the upstart (and very polished) Slovaks.
Ladbrokes is currently listing Canada as the odds-on favourites to take this match, with Jarome Iginla and Co. coming in with a 1.57 price against America's 4.33. The 60 minute draw, which would see overtime and possibly another shoot-out, rewards at a very solid 4.6 price. Keep in mind that live betting on the outright odds will be available at Ladbrokes so be sure to check in during the match if you're wondering how things are expected to wind up.
They've got nearly 20 different markets for this fixture and it's undeniable that the USA are the value play and will likely see a fair amount of volume, primarily from neutral punters.
The over/under for the Canada vs USA match is currently listed at 5.5 goals. The over is given a slight edge at 1.7 with the under selection trading at 2.05. Canada are heavily favoured to notch 3 goals or more with their over/under of 2.5 being priced at a slim 1.3. If you think Canada will struggle to score, you're getting a 3.0 price on under 2.5 goals.
Should America score 3 goals or more, you're looking at a fairly tidy price. The United States over/under is at 2.5 with the over paying out at 2.3 and the under at 1.55.
Canada are priced at 1.6 to score first while the USA trade at 2.4. No goals at all would pay out at 34.0.
I don't really think that Canada will run away with this one if they don't basically double-up on the effort they put in the last time out. The only line that was firing for the Canucks that day was the San Jose Sharks line (both goalscorers were Sharks players). One thing we did see was Sidney Crosby buckle down and dig deep to score the only goal in that tricky shoot-out. I think the turning point of the tournament for him may have been that un-called slash he took in the face during the last game.
If you think Canada will put up a big total, try them on the handicap with a (-1.5) bet paying out at 2.05. USA (+1.5) rewards at 1.7. If you think USA are going to put Canada to the sword, then try the USA (-1.5) at a lengthy 7.0. That's my selection for those looking to bet against Canada.
Correct score betting is available and the lowest-priced option is Canada to win 3-2 at a 13.0 price tag. Canada 4-2 is just nearly just as likely, as the Americans would pull their goalie in a 3-2 situation anyway), but you'll find that option priced at 15.0 anyway. 5-2 Canada pays a massive 21.0 while a 4-3 scoreline in Canada's favour pays out at 19.0. For a bit of comparison, the USA to win 3-2 pays out at 21.0 while a 4-2 victory is a massive 34.0. There are too many odds to list here, so zip over to Ladbrokes and take a look.
A lot more than a hockey game is at stake here and these types of fixtures are the types of things that bring nations together. Canada have not performed to expectations, but everybody knows just how much quality they have. If Canada clicks in this tournament it's going to have to start with this game.
My prediction: Canada 5-3 USA.