Canada is the hockey odds favourite at the BetMGM online sportsbook to win gold, with its last success coming in 2023.
They face off against Sweden, which has the fifth-shortest odds to capture gold for the first time since 2018.
The game starts at 10:20 a.m. ET on Friday, and I’m backing Canada to win the opener. Here’s why.
Related: 2026 IIHF World Championship Odds & Predictions: Canada Favoured
Canada vs Sweden Odds, Spread, Over Under: IIHF World Championship
Canada vs Sweden Prediction
I’m a massive proponent of Canada’s roster, and they should win their opener against Sweden, which features 10 NHL players.
While it’s unconfirmed, I expect Sweden to start 35-year-old Magnus Hellberg in goal. Hellberg plays for Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), and he finished the 2025-26 season with a 24-16-0 record and a respectable 2.72 GAA and .903 save percentage.
He is a perfect 6-0-0 representing his country, boasting an exceptional 1.53 goals-against average (GAA) and .935 save percentage.
Sweden’s other potential starter is the Chicago Blackhawks’ backup Arvid Söderblom, who has never started a game for his country.
If Hellberg plays as he did in his first six starts for Sweden, Canada might be in for a frustrating outing.
And as it’s the first game of the tournament, Canada will likely need more time to find optimal chemistry and reach its peak. While Sidney Crosby doesn’t need an adjustment period, it could take a game to get on the same wavelength as his linemates.
That shouldn’t prevent Canada from securing the win, though. Lucas Raymond is Sweden’s best offensive player in the NHL, and he leads an attack mostly composed of players from the SHL and Switzerland’s National Hockey League.
Canada, meanwhile, is led by a crop of elite offensive talent, including Crosby, Macklin Celebrini, John Tavares, Mark Scheifele, and Evan Bouchard. They’ll eventually break through in a low-scoring win.
Prediction: Canada 3-1 Sweden
Canada vs Sweden Best Bets
I’m backing Canada to win by two goals in a low-scoring contest. Canada -1.5 is +100, and Under 5.5 goals is -128.
Best bet: Under 5.5 goals (-128)
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