Men’s Olympic Hockey: Finland vs. Sweden Odds, Preview, Best Bet
The clash between Finland and Sweden in men’s Olympic hockey at the 2026 Winter Games is generating significant interest. Scheduled for Friday at 6:10 a.m. ET, this match marks a pivotal moment for both teams.
Recent Performances and Statistics
During the preliminary rounds, Finland and Sweden combined for over 100 shots in their opening matches. Finland lost their game 4-1, while Sweden failed to cover the 5.5-goal spread despite competing against a team without NHL experience.
- Finland vs. Slovakia: Finland struggled defensively.
- Sweden vs. Italy: Sweden’s performance was criticized for lacking intensity.
Historical Matchup
These two teams are typically closely matched. In a recent encounter, Finland edged out Sweden 4-3 in overtime at the Four Nations Face-Off tournament. However, Sweden turned the tables with a 2-1 victory at the IIHF World Championship.
Odds and Betting Insights
In the upcoming game, Sweden is favored with odds of -198, and the goal total is set at 5.5 according to DraftKings. As of now, 74 percent of moneyline bets are being placed on Sweden, while 64 percent of total bets favor the Over on goals.
Player Performance Analysis
Finland’s Mikael Granlund stands out, but the team has shown vulnerabilities on defense. Miro Heiskanen is a key player, yet overall depth remains a concern against a formidable Swedish lineup. Sweden’s defense features strong positional players with NHL experience, although they too faced lapses in their recent games.
Goaltending Challenges
The goaltending performance will be crucial. Finland’s Juuse Saros had difficulty with rebound control, allowing three goals on just 24 shots. On the other hand, Sweden’s Filip Gustavsson struggled with turnovers, giving up an early goal before settling down for the rest of the game.
Predictions
Given the offensive capabilities of both teams, a total of five goals may be an underestimate. With the chemistry developing among players transitioning from their NHL teams, bettors might find value in wagering on the Over 5.5 goals at +102 odds with DraftKings.
