Top players and roster: The team features such NHL stars as forwards Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights), Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers), as well as defensemen Adam Fox (New York Rangers) and Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks). The starting goalie is Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets).
The USA team is showing excellent form, having won the first two matches of the tournament. The Americans won the game against Finland 6-1, and then beat Canada 3-1. The solid play of goalie Connor Hellebuyck was especially noteworthy, allowing only two goals in two games, with a .9575 save percentage.
In the last game against Canada, forward Matthew Tkachuk left the ice with a lower-body injury. Although the player himself claims to feel fine, coach Mike Sullivan said that Tkachuk is undergoing a medical examination. He may be replaced by Chris Kreider in the upcoming game against Sweden. Team USA is known for its physical play and discipline on the ice. In the game against Canada, the Americans demonstrated a tough defense and effective offense, which allowed them to control the game.
Top Players and Roster: The Swedish team features such notable players as defensemen Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning), Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh Penguins), Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres), as well as forwards Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings), Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings) and Andre Burakovsky (Seattle Kraken).
The Swedes started the tournament with a 3-4 overtime loss to Canada, despite coming back from three goals down. The situation repeated itself in the next game against Finland, where the Swedes lost 3-4 in overtime. Forward Lucas Raymond has proven himself as the leading scorer, scoring three points (0+3) in two games.
Disqualifications and Injuries: The Swedish team will play with a full roster, with no disqualifications or serious injuries. The Swedish team is known for its ability to come back, which they demonstrated in matches against Canada and Finland, recovering from significant losses. However, they are not always able to bring the game to victory in overtime.
Considering the current form and results of the teams, the US team looks like the favorite in the upcoming match. The Americans demonstrate confident play in defense and attack, and also have a reliable goaltender in the person of Connor Hellebuyck. The Swedes, despite their fighting spirit and ability to return to the game, have difficulties in decisive moments of matches. The USA is expected to win by a difference of 1-2 goals.
Team USA has already secured its place in the next stage, allowing them to approach their final group-stage match against Sweden without any pressure. Given the circumstances, the Americans may choose to rest their starting goaltender and experiment with new line combinations. This could open the door for Victor Hedman’s team to capitalize on their opportunity. With that in mind, we see solid value in backing Sweden with a 0.0 Asian handicap at 2.70 odds.
Bookmakers are offering odds of 1.75 for the USA, 5.20 for a draw, and 3.40 for Sweden. Total over 5.5 goals is offered at 1.70, total under at 2.15.
Our prediction: Sweden to win with a 0.0 Asian handicap at 2.70.
