Olympic Hockey Preview: Quarterfinals

Today the quarterfinals take place for the Men’s Ice Hockey. So far the US has knocked off Switzerland and Anaheim Ducks talented goalie Jonas Hiller 2-0 advancing them to the semifinals. The U.S. will take on the winner of the Czech Republic and Finland for a chance for the Gold while tonight’s Canada vs. Russia victor will take on Sweden vs. Slovakia’s winner.

Quarterfinals

Olympic Hockey Odds

Canada vs. Russia

• Spread: Off
• Total: 5.5
• Money Line: Canada -155, Russia +135

Many thought this matchup would have occurred in the medal round but with Team Canada losing to Team USA, and Team Russia losing to Team Slovakia, these two powerhouses have to face in the Quarterfinals with the loser going home with no medal at all. All of the pressure in the world is on Team Canada who was expected to take the gold in their home country. It will be a matchup of familiar foes when Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby take their rivalry to the Olympic Ice for the first time.

Prediction: Canada will have the crowd, and it will be louder in there than perhaps any hockey rink has ever been. Expect Canada to take this game in an instant classic.

Final: Canada 6 – Russia 4. Take Canada and the over.

Czech Republic vs. Finland

• Spread: Off
• Total: 5
• Money Line: Czech Republic (even), Finland -120

The Czech’s have been back to their dominating selves after losing a heartbreaker to Russia 3-1. The Czech Republic, led by former NHL MVP Jaromir Jagr, has beaten Latvia twice and Slovakia handily in pool play. Jagr has two goals so far in the tournament. Florida Panthers goaltender Tomas Vokoun has been strong for the Czech Republic with a .927 save percentage. Defenseman Marek Zidlicky has five assists off of many cannon shots from the point.

Team Finland went 2-1 in pool play beating up on Germany and Belarus, both of whom did not qualify for the quarterfinals. Finland was shut out by Team Sweden 3-0 with Calgary Flames goalie Mikka Kiprusoff in net. The Fins are led by the Mikko Koivu, Sami Salo and Teamu Selanne amongst others.

Bookmaker reviews: Prediction: The Czech Republic has way too much fire power for the offensive minded Finish defensemen. Both Goaltenders are very good so expect a low scoring thriller with the Czech’s coming out on top.

Final: Czech Republic 2 – Finland 1. Take the Czech Republic and the under.

Sweden vs. Slovakia

• Spread: Sweden -1.5
• Total: 5
• Money Line: Off

Team Sweden is the reigning Olympic gold medal winner. Sweden is led by a contingent of the NHL’s best players including: Detroit’s Johan Franzen and Henrik Zetterberg, Vancouver’s Sedin Brothers, Washington center Niklas Backstrom (leads Sweden with 5 points) and Ottawa forward Daniel Alfredsson. What really makes this Sweden team tick however is New York Rangers goalie, Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist has two shutouts in his two games played against Finland and Germany. King Henry is one of the best in the business and with the firepower on this squad; any team that falls behind is in deep trouble.

Team Slovakia made its way to the quarterfinals by upsetting Team Russia 2-1, beating up on Latvia 6-0 and squeaking by Norway 4-3. They needed all of those wins because they lost their opening game to the Czech Republic 3-1. Slovakia is led by New York Rangers forward Marian Gaborik who has two goals and an assist so far in the tournament. Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jaroslav Halak has played all four games so far for the Slovakian team and is boasting a .931 save percentage and 1.71 goals against average. He will need to be that good or better in this one.

Prediction: Team Sweden simply has too much depth and skill for the Slovakian team which only barely qualified for the quarterfinals. Sweden has not really been tested yet and shouldn’t be in this one as they should win easily.

Sports Betting Tips; Final: Sweden 5 – Slovakia. Take Sweden and the over.