Canada, the hockey odds favourite at the BetMGM sportsbook to win the gold medal, is one of four remaining unbeaten teams after three games.
On Thursday, it faces Norway, which has won two and lost one and sits in fourth place in Group B. Norway has the fifth-longest odds to win the competition.
Canada vs Norway Odds, Spread, Over Under: IIHF World Championship
Canada vs Norway Prediction
Canada didn’t break through against Denmark until the third period. But, as they say, when it rains, it pours.
Canada exploded for five third-period goals to beat Denmark 5-1. They had more than enough chances to score in the first two periods, but Denmark goaltender Nicolaj Henriksen made some key saves to keep the score deadlocked.
However, he couldn’t prevent Sidney Crosby and Co. from busting it wide open in the third. With another game under their belt, I expect Canada to dominate Norway throughout.
Canada finished with 38 shots on goal, while Denmark had 16. Jet Greaves started between the pipes for Canada, so I expect Cam Talbot to get the nod against Norway.
He was solid against Italy, stopping all 16 shots for the shutout.
That’s part of why I expect six goals or fewer. Norway allowed only two goals in its three games, both in the 2-1 loss to Slovakia.
For the most part, Norway has been defensively sound. That’s the most crucial aspect of this bet, as Canada will invariably pepper whoever starts for Norway, Henrik Haukeland or Tobias Normann.
Only one Norwegian belongs to an NHL organization. That’s Stian Solberg, who the Anaheim Ducks drafted 23rd overall in the 2024 NHL draft. The 20-year-old is still waiting for his NHL debut, though.
Most play in the EliteHockey Ligaen, Norway’s professional hockey league, with five individuals plying their trade for Storhamar Hockey.
Despite Norway scoring 10 goals in three games, I don’t think it will score more than one on Talbot, who should enjoy a relatively stress-free outing.
I’m expecting a 5-0 or 5-1 Canada win.
Prediction: Canada 5-1 Norway
Canada vs Norway Best Bets
Norway has shown enough defensively and in goal to back them in keeping the score down against Canada, which hasn’t scored more than six yet.
I’m not triggering Canada -4.5 or Norway +4.5, as there is a solid argument for both plays.
Best bet: Under 6.5 (-128)
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