Predictions, Picks, and Odds for USA vs Finland in 4 Nations Faceoff

• Team USA is a -335 moneyline favorite in their first game of the 4 Nations Face-Off against Finland Thursday night in Montreal.

• In the short round-robin format, the Americans’ edge in goal with Vezina Trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck could be key.

• Check out our prediction for USA vs Finland and key storylines to know.

On Day Two of the 4 Nations Face-off, it’s Finland vs. USA at Bell Centre in Montreal at 8 p.m. ET.

The event is the NHL’s attempt to replace the All-Star game with a four-team international tournament billing itself as the first best-on-best event since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.

Each of the four teams will meet in the round robin style event with the two finalists meeting in Boston Thursday, Feb. 20 at TD Garden.

USA vs Finland Odds

Team USA is -335 moneyline favorites to beat the Finns and are laying 1.5 goals. The over/under total is 5.5, which seems a bit low for all of the offensive talent that will be on the ice.

Odds as of Feb. 12 on FanDuel. Look over our FanDuel Sportsbook review to see all the new player bonuses available.

USA vs Finland Prediction

• Team USA -1.5 (-122) at FanDuel

Team Finland is considered the weakest team of the four by the sportsbooks. FanDuel has them +1000 to win the Face-off, with Canada and the USA basically as the co-favorites.

The Finns are coached by Antii Pennanen, who guides a team in the outstanding Finnish Hockey League, but has never coached in the NHL. Team Finland has four players from the Florida Panthers (Florida has the most players competing with eight) including two-time Selke Winner Aleksander Barkov.

Mikko Rantanen was just traded from the Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes and he’s now wearing the blue and gold of Team Finland. He might be the best offensive threat for Team Finland. He has an NHL-best three hat tricks this season and is ninth in points at 66.

None of the Finnish goalies are that impressive on paper, and in a short tournament like this, you know a hot goalie is going to be important. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sabres) has allowed over three goals a game this season. Kevin Lankinen (Canucks) has the best numbers with a .905 save percentage. Juse Saros (Preds) leads the league in losses with 23.

Advantage USA.

Hellebuyck should certainly get the nod in net for the red, white and blue. He leads the league in wins at 34, saves (1,099) and goals against average (2.06). The Michigan native has allowed nine goals in his last three games though, but they’re all wins.

Team USA should get offense from Jack Eichel (Vegas). He has 19 goals and 50 assists. Auston Matthews (Leafs) probably won’t get many cheers in Montreal. He’s had another solid season with 20 goals.

Veteran Penguins coach Mike Sullivan will be standing behind the Team USA bench. He’s the only American-born coach to win the Stanley Cup more than once (2016 and 2017), but it must be said that the Penguins look like they’re about to miss the playoffs for a third straight year. Can he inspire this talented squad?

In a format like this, every shift will be important. The over/under total smells low, because you always think of offense in an event like this (the 2016 World Cup of Hockey averaged eight goals a game), but there may not be a lot of offensive chemistry established yet between teams with limited practice time.

Finland may have an advantage there, and having four players all from the Panthers could be an important factor, but this looks a game Team USA should win comfortably.

The highly anticipated 4 Nations Faceoff between the USA and Finland is set to take place, and fans are buzzing with excitement as they eagerly await the outcome of this thrilling matchup. With both teams boasting talented rosters and a strong history of success in international competition, this game is sure to be a nail-biter from start to finish.

When it comes to predictions for this game, it’s important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each team. The USA is known for its high-powered offense, led by star players such as Patrick Kane and Auston Matthews. Their speed and skill on the ice make them a formidable opponent for any team, and they will no doubt be looking to put their offensive prowess on full display in this matchup.

On the other hand, Finland is known for its strong defensive play and disciplined style of hockey. With players like Mikko Rantanen and Miro Heiskanen leading the way, Finland will be looking to shut down the USA’s potent offense and capitalize on any scoring opportunities that come their way.

In terms of picks for this game, it’s a tough call as both teams have the talent and experience to come out on top. However, if we had to make a prediction, we would give a slight edge to the USA based on their offensive firepower and depth at every position. That being said, Finland is a resilient team that has proven time and time again that they can compete with the best in the world, so this game could easily go either way.

As for the odds for this game, sportsbooks are currently favoring the USA as the slight favorite to win. However, with international hockey being as unpredictable as it is, anything can happen once the puck drops. Fans can expect a fast-paced, physical game with plenty of scoring chances for both teams, making this a must-watch matchup for hockey enthusiasts everywhere.

In conclusion, the USA vs Finland 4 Nations Faceoff is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive game that could go down to the wire. With both teams hungry for a victory and looking to make a statement on the international stage, fans can expect a thrilling showdown between two of the top hockey nations in the world. Be sure to tune in and see which team comes out on top in this highly anticipated matchup.