The 4 Nations Face-Off continues with the last day of pool play in Boston. Teams are jostling for a chance to face the United States in the final. There’s all to play for as Canada takes on Finland in the first game of the day. The winner of this game is likely in good position to join the Americans in the final. Let’s break down the storylines and matchups between the Canadians and the Finns in this set of 4 Nations Face-Off Predictions.
4 Nations Face-Off Predictions
Canada vs Finland
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet; TruTV; TNT; Max
Where: Boston, Mass.
Both teams are get into the final in this pivotal matchup. Canada books a spot into the final with a regulation win and an overtime/shootout win and anything other than a regulation win for Sweden.
Finland can join the United States in the final with a regulation victory. However, it can also make the final with an overtime or shootout win and anything other than a regulation victory for the Swedes.
Both teams will want to get into the final for another crack at Team USA. Let’s take a look at all the storylines in this round off 4 Nations Face-Off predictions.
The Canada Story
Team Canada lost an emotional and hard-fought game to the rival Americans in Montreal. Canada started off with the lead, but Team USA reeled off three consecutive goals.
Vegas Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill is the expected starter for Canada after St Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington started the first two games. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter.
Canada is hoping for good news when it comes to Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar due to illness. He missed the big showdown the Team USA and he will be needed if Canada wants a rematch against their Southern neighbours. Dallas Stars defender Thomas Harley stepped in on short notice. Canadian fans hope Makar can be ready to go.
The Finland Story
Finland overcame Sweden for a 4-3 overtime victory to give itself a chance for a spot in the finals. Mikael Granlund helps the Finns complete the comeback and defeat their Scandinavian rivals.
Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen got the victory for his country on Saturday and he’s the confirmed starter for this game against Canada. He looked much more comfortable in the crease than countryman Juuse Saros.
Finland’s defence does miss Miro Heiskanen, but the defence was much better than the tournament-opener against the Americans. Play like this will give them a fighting chance against Canada.
Prediction
Both teams want to get to the final, so we’ll see some emotion in this game. However, Canada will book its much-awaited rematch with the United Staets.
Prediction: Canada wins 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up our 4 Nations Face-Off predictions with some prop bets. For Finland, go with Mikko Rantanen of the Carolina Hurricanes to score a goals. On the Team Canada end of things, go with Sidney Crosby to get the over on 1.5 points.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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