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Olympic hockey odds: will USA-Canada rematch happen in gold medal game?

Men’s Olympic hockey is down to the final four teams; now we just have to determine who will play for gold. The hockey world is craving for a USA-Canada rematch—will we get it? Let’s compare odds at Sportsbook.com and Sportsbetting.com while breaking down today’s matchups.

United States vs. Finland – 3:00 p.m. ET

Team USA battled its way past Switzerland in the quarterfinal, earning a 2-0 victory. The Americans out-shot the Swiss 43-19 but waited until the third period to finally put a goal on the board. Zach Parise was a monster for the U.S., scoring the game-winner and adding the clinching empty net goal.

Finland also won 2-0, knocking off the Czech Republic in their quarterfinal. Nik Hagman and Valterri Filppula (empty net) scored for Finland while Mikka Kiprusoff made 31 saves en route to a shutout.

This should be a tough, gritty matchup. Both teams have excellent goaltending, which could be a difference-maker; neither can afford to make a mistake. The States looked great against the Swiss, though, and were only slowed by Jonas Hiller. It appears a Canada-United States rematch in the gold medal game is set to go.

COMPARING THE ODDS
SportsInteraction.com likes the Americans at -185 compared to Finland’s +130. Against the spread, SportsInteraction.com has Team USA as a 1.5-goal favorite over the Fins.

Canada vs. Slovakia – 9:30 p.m. ET

Canada put on one of the most dominating performances in Olympic hockey history with its 7-3 win over Russia in the quarterfinal. The Russians were subjected to a size-speed-skill combination arguably no team is able to overcome. Six different Canadians scored—and that’s without much of a contribution from Sidney Crosby. Roberto Luongo has also provided a stabilizing force in net. Look out, the Canadians are serious now.

After blowing a 2-0 lead, Slovakia got back on track to upend the Swedes 4-3 in the quarterfinal. Though many viewed this as an upset, don’t be fooled—the Slovaks are loaded with talent. Marian Hossa and Marian Gaborik are two of the most dangerous players on the planet when they’re rolling. Montreal Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak made 26 saves in the win and has played very well throughout the tournament.

The Slovaks have played great hockey so far but, if Canada brings even remotely the intensity it showed against Russia, their chances are slim-to-none. Not only do the Canadians have more talent than anyone in this tournament, they’re also playing on home ice. Look for Canada to advance to the gold medal game.

COMPARING THE ODDS
SportsInteraction is favoring the Canadians massively at -1000, while Slovakia is the underdog at +500. Against the spread, they have Canada as a 2.5-goal favorite.