Canada’s talent win win them this game, but don’t expect another nine-goal outburst against the stingy Finns.
Photo By – Imagn Images. Iginla repping Team Canada.
The top two teams in Group B will duke it out on New Year’s Eve to decide who will claim the No. 1 seed.
With so much on the line, my Finland vs. Canada predictions see a cagier battle between the tournament’s two best by way of goal differential.
Let’s dive into my World Junior betting picks for Wednesday, December 31.
Canada vs Finland odds
Canada
Finland
Odds courtesy of Bet99 as of 12-31.
Canada vs Finland picks and predictions
My best bet: Under 6.5 (-130 at Bet99)
The Finns carry a reputation as a hard-nosed, structured team that makes it very difficult for opponents to create offense.
They’ve lived up to that and then some in this tournament, allowing just 40 shots through their first three games while conceding only four goals — the fewest of any team.
While two of the three games were against lower-end competition, Finland held Czechia — who scored five times against Canada — to just one regulation goal and 23 shots in a game that went to extra time. That’s impressive.
Canada have outpaced everybody offensively with 18 goals through three games, the most in the competition. They have a level of high-end skill Finland can’t match.
The Finns will be well aware of that, though, and try to suck the life out of the game as much as they can to keep it close.
The Canadians have played at a higher pace and given up more shots than Finland, but it isn’t built like some other powerhouses to take advantage. Dallas Stars prospect Emil Hemming is the only forward with more than eight shots through three games.
The Finns are not a high-volume team, and there is no reason for them to open up and change that against the most talented squad they’ll face.
Expect a relatively tight, competitive game in which open ice is hard to come by for both teams.
Canada vs Finland same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 6.5
Canada moneyline
In a game where chances should be harder to come by than usual, I want to side with the team with more finishing talent to be opportunistic.
Canada has more high-end talent and a deeper roster, as shown by the numbers. Seven different Canadians have recorded at least four points, while only three Finnish players have reached that mark.
Canada vs Finland game info
Not intended for use in MA.
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