- Canada is a -238 moneyline favorite over Sweden in the inaugural game of the 4 Nations Face-Off on Wednesday
- The Canadians are expected to have the tournament’s best offense, but are lacking on the blueline and in net
- See the Canada vs Sweden Prediction, odds and tune-in information, below
The 4 Nations Face-Off gets underway Wednesday, with Canada facing Sweden in the opener. The four-team tournament, which features the best NHL players on the planet, also includes Finland and the USA.
The event is replacing the All-Star Game this year, and acting as an international tune-up for the 2026 Olympics. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 pm ET from the Bell Centre, in Montreal, with TNT providing the broadcast in the U.S, and Sportsnet handling the TV coverage in Canada.
Canada vs Sweden Odds
Canada is currently a hefty -238 moneyline favorite, with Sweden coming back as a +195 underdog. The total is set at 5.5, with the juice shaded to the over. That side of the market is enticing, given the Canadians firepower, and their underwhelming defense and goaltending.
Odds as of Feb.11 at Caesars. Check out SBD’s Caesars Sportsbook review to see the available sign-up bonuses.
Canada vs Sweden Prediction
- Over 5.5 Goals (-130) at Caesars
It’s been 9 years since NHL players participated in an international tournament. The Four Nations Face-Off is a slimmed-down version of an international competition, but is poised to provide exceptional hockey. The four teams will play each other once in a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the Championship Game on February 20th.
The Canadians are tied with the Americans for the shortest odds to win the tournament at +160. Sweden is next +400, followed by Finland at +900. You won’t find a weakness up front on Canada, as they feature the best all-around talent in Connor McDavid, and the NHL’s top scorer Nathan MacKinnon.
There was some concern that captain Sidney Crosby might sit out, but he confirmed he’ll play on Monday. Canada’s roster also boasts Norris Trophy odds favorite Cale Makar, but after the Colorado star, the backend talent tapers off.
Depth on the blueline was an issue to begin with, but it’s even more concerning after the loss of Alex Pietrangelo. The Golden Knights defensemen has a bevy of championship experience, winning a Stanley Cup with St. Louis and Vegas, and a World Junior Championship as a teenager.
Canada’s success at this tournament may hinge on its goaltending. Jordan Binnington will begin as the No. 1, which is a curious decision given his play this season. Binnington ranks 35th in goals against average, and 39th in save percentage. Aidan Hill will serve as back-up, while Logan Thompson, who holds the NHL’s third-best save percentage, was left off the roster.
Four Nations Face-Off Championship Odds
Sweden, meanwhile, has goaltending issues of its own. They’re down projected starter Jacob Markstrom, and number two Linus Ullmark. That leaves Filip Gustavsson to man the crease. The 26-year-old is enjoying a bounce back season with 22 wins so far, after finishing 2023-24 with a save percentage south of .900.
Victor Hedman headlines a defense that profiles among the tournament’s best. He, Rasmus Dahlin and Erik Karlsson should be able to generate offense, which could make up for a lackluster forward group. Sweden’s top-six is headlined by William Nylander, Jesper Pratt and Filip Forsberg, but the scoring depth on the third and fourth lines pale in comparison to the Canadians and Americans.
Still, there should be enough firepower to test an underwhelming Canadian backend. With so much offensive talent on Canada, it’s hard to envision this game not turning into a shootout. International hockey, featuring NHL stars, tends to lean goal heavy. In the last four Olympics the NHL took part in, the four nations competing in this event all averaged approximately four goals per game.
The 2016 World Cup of Hockey meanwhile, averaged 8 goals per contest. That was the last time NHL stars suited up for an international event, and fans should expect fireworks in their return on Wednesday.
The upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off between Canada and Sweden is set to be an exciting matchup between two powerhouse teams in women’s ice hockey. With both teams boasting a strong roster of talented players, fans can expect a thrilling game filled with fast-paced action and intense competition.
In terms of predictions, both Canada and Sweden have a history of success in international competitions, making it difficult to predict the outcome of this game. However, based on recent performances and current rankings, Canada may have a slight edge over Sweden. Canada is currently ranked number one in the world by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), while Sweden sits at number five.
When it comes to odds, sportsbooks may have Canada as the favorite to win this matchup. However, with hockey being such a dynamic and unpredictable sport, anything can happen on game day. Fans can expect a close and competitive game between these two teams, with both sides giving it their all to come out on top.
For those looking to catch the action live, the Canada vs Sweden game will be broadcasted on various sports networks and streaming platforms. Fans can check their local listings or visit the IIHF website for more information on where to watch the game.
Overall, the Canada vs Sweden matchup in the 4 Nations Face-Off is shaping up to be a must-watch game for hockey fans around the world. With two top-tier teams facing off against each other, fans can expect a thrilling and intense game that will showcase the best of women’s ice hockey. Be sure to tune in and cheer on your favorite team as they battle it out on the ice for victory.