The big day has arrived. We get to see the heavyweight matchup between the United States and Canada in the 4 Nations Faceoff Final. The Americans get the hosting duties and look to take home inaugural championship. However, Canada is seeking revenge after losing 3-1 on home soil. Canada is trying to avoid a repeat of what happened in Montreal on Saturday night. Let’s take a look at the 4 Nations Faceoff Predictions for tonight’s final.
4 Nations Faceoff Final Predictions
USA vs Canada
Head-to-Head: USA 1-0 Canada
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN; Sportsnet
Where: Boston, Mass.
The big grudge match between Canada and the United States is set for tonight. Team USA has the home ice, Canada is more than capable of silencing the home crowd. We’ve seen plenty of times in tournaments where the USA would win the first-round game. However, Canada would always get the last laugh in the big game.
Both teams want to be the one that hoists the inaugural trophy. Let’s take a look at the storylines and matchups in this final dose of 4 Nations Faceoff Predictions.
The Canada Story
Team Canada is coming off a clinching victory over Finland in Monday’s last opening-round game. However, the Canadians were made to sweat a bit until a late empty-net goal by Sidney Crosby.
Jordan Binnington is the official starter despite having some woes in this tournament. The St. Louis Blues netminder does have experience in taking a winner-take-all game in Boston. Despite some shakiness, he does have experience winning big games.
As for the skating lineup, it looks like Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes is in for Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny. Jarvis was a scratch against Finland, but draws into the lineup for this important matchup.
The USA Story
Team USA is coming off a 3-1 loss to Sweden in the final round-robin game. The Americans had already clinched their spot in the final, but losing is never fun.
Injuries and illness have also affected the United States’ lineup as Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews and Florida Panthers standout Matthew Tkachuk were out of the lineup. Ottawa Senators star Brady Tkachuk left the game, but it seems like all three want to play.
Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy will also miss the final due to an infection. Tage Thompson and Brett Pesce are set to be injury replacements should the lineups get below the minimum 12 forwards and six defencemen.
Connor Hellebuyck is the starter for this all-important matchup. He got the night off against Finland on Monday.
Prediction
Injuries and illness have been the problem for both teams. However, they’ve hit the Americans harder and that showed in the Sweden game. Canada has revenge on its mind and will get the last laugh.
Prediction: Canada wins 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up 4 Nations Faceoff Predictions with some prop bets of the night. For Team Canada, take Crosby to score a goal. He always comes in clutch in these big international games. On the American side, go with Zach Werenski to get the over on 0.5 points.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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