Finland vs. Sweden 4 Nations Face-Off Prediction and Preview:
Here are my best bets for Saturday’s Finland vs. Sweden matchup in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Finland vs Sweden (-205, 5.5)
1 p.m. ET
Team Finland caught the attention of Team USA in the opening game for both teams in the 4 Nations Face-Off when Buffalo’s Henri Jokiharju scored the game’s first goal to give Finland a brief 1-0 lead. That was the only shot they would get past USA netminder Connor Hellebuyck in a 6-1 setback. Finland was held to just 21 shots in the game, with almost half of their shots on goal (nine) coming from two-thirds of their top line (Aleksander Barkov, Artturi Lehkonen). Finland is going to have to find ways to generate offense from the rest of its lineup, as their remaining 10 forwards generated just eight shots on goal. One change that Finland has made for today’s game is in goal where Kevin Lankinen replaces Juuse Saros. Based on performance, Lankinen should have been the Game 1 starter over Saros, who was torched for 10 goals in his final two NHL starts. Lankinen has shown the ability to “steal” games this season for the Vancouver Canucks. With the weakest group of defensemen in the tournament, Finland will need Lankinen to be at his very best.
Sweden gave Canada all it could handle in their 4-3 overtime loss to kick off the tournament. The Swedes battled back from 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to force overtime before Mitch Marner scored the game-winner, six minutes and change into the extra session.
On Saturday, they get a second chance at putting themselves into the win column against rival country Finland. This is not a rivalry on the same level as Canada and the USA, which will be played a few hours later, but there is still intense competition between the two countries. A regulation win for Sweden would keep them in the conversation as one of the two finalists in the tournament.
As I mentioned earlier, Finland goalie Kevin Lankinen can steal games, but I am banking on the fact that the defense in front of him is susceptible to giving up high-danger chances, and I like Sweden’s chances to get to four goals.
When it comes to player props, I will pass on anyone from Team Finland. For Sweden, I will go back to the players that I have future bets on (read my February 11 article on the VSIN NHL page), as well as Victor Hedman.
NHL Predictions: Sweden TT Over 3.5 (+115) – 1 unit
Jesper Bratt Over ½ assist (+154) – 1 unit
Victor Hedman Over ½ assist (+180) – 1 unit
Adrian Kempe anytime goal (+230) – ½ unit
William Nylander anytime goal (+195) – ½ unit
