The United States absolutely crushed the Czech Republic in their quarterfinal match up today to set up a big game against their rival Canadians tomorrow morning at 4am EST. Canada has had the last couple days off to rest up and prepare so this should be a good one. In the other quarterfinal Russia squeaked out a win against an impressive Swiss team. Russia was up against it, having to score a goal with just over a minute left in the game to force overtime. They eventually won in a shootout and will now play Sweden in the other semi-final.
Canada vs United States
Canada won the round robin game between these squads by a score of 2-1 on December 30th. The USA has shown throughout the tournament that it will be very difficult to score on them having given up only 7 goals in 5 games. Canada was able to pot two on them, but it was a tight game that really could have gone either way. Subban played well and has stepped up his game in Canada’s last couple games, but they will need another big game out of him to beat the Americans again. The oddsmakers have Canada as 1.5 goal favorites, which I think is too much, especially against a USA team that is tough to score on.
Play: USA +1.5 (-140) @ Bet365.com (Bovada.lv for Americans)
I also like the moneyline odds for the Americans to pull off the upset in this one. I really think the game could go either way.
Play: USA +220 @ Bet365.com
Sweden vs Russia
Sweden and Russia each went to a shootout against Switzerland in this tournament. They seem to be quite similar, but Russia has now played more games against top competition and should be ready for Sweden in this one. The Russians are a capable team and Vasilevski has been strong in net. Grigorenko and Kucherov have been very good in this tournament and if Yakupov and other players can step up they should be able to defeat the Swedish team.
Play: Russia -114 @ Bet365.com
Tagged with: Canada • Russia • Sweden • USA • World Juniors