United States vs. Sweden Prediction and Picks-4 Nations Face-Off
Sweden faces the United States with both teams entering the game on opposite ends of this tournament's standings. Sweden lost their first two games in overtime and will need a regulation win and some help to secure a spot in the Final while the United States already secured their spot with two decisive victories. Who will win this game? Check out our Sweden vs USA prediction!
Sweden hopes defense improves
Sweden has struggled in the four nations faceoff despite their offense stepping up and scoring three goals in both games. Lucas Raymond and Joel Eriksson Ek have scored one goal and four assists but the rest of the offense has stepped up as well. Adrian Kempe, Mika Zibanejad, and William Nylander have combined for two goals and an assist while defensemen Erik Karlsson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Jonas Brodin have added three goals and two assists from the point to open up the offense.
The offense has stepped up but the defense has let them down, allowing four goals in each of the two games. Victor Hedman and Gustav Forsling have led the top pairing but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net with ease. In addition, goaltender Linus Ullmark struggled in the latest game, allowing two goals on only 17 shots.
United States has dominated across the board
The United States have dominated the tournament with their offense stepping up and scoring nine goals in the first two games. Jake Guentzel, Jack Eichel, and Matt Boldy have scored four goals and six assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has been great as well. Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin, and Auston Matthews have combined for three goals and two assists while defensemen Zach Werenski and Brock Faber have added six assists from the point to put the offense over the top.
The offense has been great but the defense has also been incredible, allowing only two goals in the two games played. Jaccob Slavin and Brock Faber have anchored the top pair while Zach Werenski, Charlie McAvoy, and Noah Hanifin have rounded out the unit, forcing turnovers in all three zones and limiting shots on the net. Moreover, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been remarkable, saving 45 of the 47 shots he’s faced.
Sweden (+170)
The United States has been the best all tournament but having nothing to play for, I see Sweden stepping up and taking over this one from the first period. Sweden looks to build off of two games where they combined for six goals and pile on the goals with Lucas Raymond, Joel Eriksson Ek, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots on the quick passes. Sweden looks to limit the USA offense with Victor Hedman and Gustav Forsling stepping up at the blue line and cutting off angles to the net on the rush while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Linus Ullmark to make plenty of big saves. Sweden should win the game and provide great odds in the process as Underdogs. Take the Sweden money line as Underdogs.
Under 5.5
With the United States playing great defense and resting a few forwards, I see this game being a low-scoring one from the opening puck drop. USA looks to build off of two games where they allowed only two goals and limit the Sweden offense with Brock Faber, Jaccob Slavin, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to make plenty of big saves. Sweden looks to rebound after allowing four goals and eliminate the USA offense with Victor Hedman, Gustav Forsling, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone while goaltender Linus Ullmark blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game with both defenses stepping up. Take the Under on 5.5 goals.
