Canada, the hockey odds favourite to win gold at the BetMGM online sportsbook, is off to a 2-0 start after handling Sweden (5-3) and Italy (6-0).
Head coach Misha Donskov’s team faces Denmark on Monday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
Denmark shocked the hockey world at last year’s competition by eliminating Canada in the quarterfinal, thanks to two late goals.
Here’s why Monday’s game will be different.
Canada vs Denmark Odds, Spread, Over Under: IIHF World Championship
Canada vs Denmark Prediction
I’m backing Canada to win by at least five goals in my Canada vs. Denmark prediction.
Denmark’s roster is completely devoid of NHL talent. In a silo, that isn’t enough to guarantee Canada a lopsided victory, but Canada’s roster is stacked with elite offensive talent who are already gelling.
Mads Sogaard, who plays for the Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League, is Denmark’s only player belonging to an NHL organization. However, the 25-year-old made just one NHL start last season for the Ottawa Senators.
He started Denmark’s opener and allowed three goals on 28 shots. If Sogaard gets the nod, I don’t see him frustrating Team Canada like Frederik Dichow in last year’s quarterfinal.
Frankly, it doesn’t matter who Denmark starts.
Canada showcased its star-studded trio of Macklin Celebrini, Sidney Crosby, and Porter Martone against Italy, and Celebrini scored two goals and an assist.
No roster has more depth than Canada’s, and I expect that embarrassment of riches to wear down Denmark, which lost 4-1 to Czechia in its opening game.
I don’t envision Denmark remaining competitive throughout if Canada scores early, as it did against Italy. Canada allowed 19 shots against Italy, which should be similar to Denmark’s total in this one.
After Jet Greaves started in the opener against Sweden, in which he allowed three goals on 25 shots, Cam Talbot secured the shutout versus Italy.
I’d be slightly surprised if Donskov doesn’t go back to Talbot for this one. Denmark plays on back-to-back days after facing Sweden on Sunday, which should also help Canada’s cause.
Prediction: Canada 6 – 1 Denmark
Canada vs Denmark Best Bets
With +110 odds, I’m going with Canada -4.5. I’m also backing the Over on 6.5 goals, but it will be tight.
Best bet: Canada -4.5
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