USA Women's Curling +125 over Russia/o12.5 Canada Women's Curling -1.5 +115 over Sweden/o12.5 China Men Curling -1.5 over USA Norway Men Curling -3.5 +100 over Russia Germany Men Curling +2.5 versus Great Britain Sweden Men Curling +1.5 versus Canada/o12.5
0
USA Women's Curling +125 over Russia/o12.5 Canada Women's Curling -1.5 +115 over Sweden/o12.5 China Men Curling -1.5 over USA Norway Men Curling -3.5 +100 over Russia Germany Men Curling +2.5 versus Great Britain Sweden Men Curling +1.5 versus Canada/o12.5
Alpine Skiing - Women's Downhill - Best Finishing Position
Tina Maze over Elizabeth Goergl x Stacey Cook over Nicole Schmidhofer x Dominique Gisin over Elena Fanchini x Kajsa King over Daniela Merighetti x Fabienne Suter x Larisa Yurkiw over Edit Miklos
Luge - Men's Doubles - Best Finishing Position
V.Yuzhakov/V.Makhnutin over A.Petyniak/A.Wanielsta x T.Eggert/S.Benecken over A.Sics/J.Sics x A.Sics/J.Sics over P.Pentz/G.Fischler
Snow Boarding - Women's Halfpipe - Best Finishing Position
Torah Bright over Hannah Teter x Torah Bright over Arielle Gold x Arielle Gold over Shuang Li
Speed Skating - Men's 1000m - Best Finishing Position
Shani Davis over Brian Hansen x Shani Davis over Michel Mulder x Shani Davis over Tae Bum Bo
0
Alpine Skiing - Women's Downhill - Best Finishing Position
Tina Maze over Elizabeth Goergl x Stacey Cook over Nicole Schmidhofer x Dominique Gisin over Elena Fanchini x Kajsa King over Daniela Merighetti x Fabienne Suter x Larisa Yurkiw over Edit Miklos
Luge - Men's Doubles - Best Finishing Position
V.Yuzhakov/V.Makhnutin over A.Petyniak/A.Wanielsta x T.Eggert/S.Benecken over A.Sics/J.Sics x A.Sics/J.Sics over P.Pentz/G.Fischler
Snow Boarding - Women's Halfpipe - Best Finishing Position
Torah Bright over Hannah Teter x Torah Bright over Arielle Gold x Arielle Gold over Shuang Li
Speed Skating - Men's 1000m - Best Finishing Position
Shani Davis over Brian Hansen x Shani Davis over Michel Mulder x Shani Davis over Tae Bum Bo
Alpine Skiing - Women's Downhill - Best Finishing Position
Tina
Maze over Elizabeth Goergl x Stacey Cook over Nicole Schmidhofer x
Dominique Gisin over Elena Fanchini x Kajsa King over Daniela Merighetti
x Fabienne Suter x Larisa Yurkiw over Edit Miklos
Luge - Men's Doubles - Best Finishing Position
V.Yuzhakov/V.Makhnutin
over A.Petyniak/A.Wanielsta x T.Eggert/S.Benecken over A.Sics/J.Sics x
A.Sics/J.Sics over P.Pentz/G.Fischler
Snow Boarding - Women's Halfpipe - Best Finishing Position
Torah Bright over Hannah Teter x Torah Bright over Arielle Gold x Arielle Gold over Shuang Li
Speed Skating - Men's 1000m - Best Finishing Position
Shani Davis over Brian Hansen x Shani Davis over Michel Mulder x Shani Davis over Tae Bum Bo
USA Men Curling +1.5 versus Denmark/o12.5 Switzerland Men Curling -1.5 +120 over China/u12.5 Norway Men Curling -2.5 over Germany/u12.5
0
Alpine Skiing - Women's Downhill - Best Finishing Position
Tina
Maze over Elizabeth Goergl x Stacey Cook over Nicole Schmidhofer x
Dominique Gisin over Elena Fanchini x Kajsa King over Daniela Merighetti
x Fabienne Suter x Larisa Yurkiw over Edit Miklos
Luge - Men's Doubles - Best Finishing Position
V.Yuzhakov/V.Makhnutin
over A.Petyniak/A.Wanielsta x T.Eggert/S.Benecken over A.Sics/J.Sics x
A.Sics/J.Sics over P.Pentz/G.Fischler
Snow Boarding - Women's Halfpipe - Best Finishing Position
Torah Bright over Hannah Teter x Torah Bright over Arielle Gold x Arielle Gold over Shuang Li
Speed Skating - Men's 1000m - Best Finishing Position
Shani Davis over Brian Hansen x Shani Davis over Michel Mulder x Shani Davis over Tae Bum Bo
USA Men Curling +1.5 versus Denmark/o12.5 Switzerland Men Curling -1.5 +120 over China/u12.5 Norway Men Curling -2.5 over Germany/u12.5
So it is finally time for the Men's Tournament to kickoff, the Schedule is as follows:
2/12/14 - Group C (Czech Republic versus Sweden & Latvia versus Switzerland)
2/13/14 - Group A (Russia versus Slovenia & USA versus Slovakia); Group B (Finland versus Austria & Canada versus Norway);
2/14/14 - Group B (Canada versus Austria & Norway versus Finland); Group C (Czech Republic versus Latvia & Sweden versus Switzerland)
2/15/14 - Group A (Slovakia versus Slovenia & USA versus Russia); Group C (Switzerland versus Czech Republic & Sweden versus Latvia)
2/16/14 - Group A (Russia versus Slovakia & USA versus Slovenia); Group B (Finland versus Canada)
Group A Preview:
Russia/Slovakia/United States/Slovenia
Russia playing in their home country can do wonders, has a sixth-place finish in Vancouver to exact revenge on, and it helps when you have Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk and Daysyuk on the front line, but man that blue line is severely weak. Varlamov in goal is a force to be reckon with, has a nice 2.48 GAA and a .924 save percentage, but does have competition in Bobrovsky, whom despite his struggles could give Varlamov a run for the starting job, but I highly doubt it. My prediction is that this team does advance obviously.
USA comes in after a heart breaking gold medal game four years back, great job of tying it up but just lost it in OT thanks to Sid the Kid, this year, on the big ice, it may be a bit tricky. Some names were left off such as Bobby Ryan and Kyle Okposo which could hurt, but their offensive firepower is great. The goalies in net in Miller, Quick and Howard is by far a close competition for best in the Olympics, but in the end it is scoring, and it gets them Group win IMO.
Slovakia and Slovenia have names such as Gaborik and Kopitar, but they finish 3rd and 4th respectively.
Group B Preview
Finland/Canada/Norway/Austria
Really without going too far into it, Canada wins this group but may get some competition from Finland who always seems to battle them well. Stamkos is not here for Canada but how do you say that is a loss when you have Crosby, St. Louis, Toews, Perry, etc, etc. Their weak spot is in fact in goal, Luongo may start, which is hard to tell which one you get, regular season or playoff Roberto.
Finland has the best goalies bar none in these games with Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen, Antti Niemi and Tuuka Rask, but outside of Selanne, their firepower is waning. One NHL guy in Mats Zuccarello plays for Norway, and as for Austria there is Grabner and Vanek but it will wind up being Austria and Norway finishing 3rd and 4th respectively.
Group C Preview:
Czech Republic/Sweden/Switzerland/Latvia
Sweden is the favorite to win this Group and most likely will, as all their players, except for one are coming over from the NHL. The recent exclusion of Franzen and Henrik Sedin hurts their offense, but a nice solid replacement in Nyquist helps. Lundqvist is in net for the Swedes, who has the most European experience out of anyone in this tournament. Their team is very very solid.
Jagr, Krejci and Michalek spells most of the offense for the Czechs, with Pavelec in net, whom for Winnipeg posted a 2.97 GAA and .901 save percentage, but inviting Erat over Hudler may hurt down the line, as Erat is very slow and Hudler having a great year for Calgary.
Switzerland, most likely finishes third in the Group thanks to Jonas Hiller in goal, but they will finish just above Latvia who really is just here for placement.
Medal Round
The three group winners and the team with the best record of the non-group winners get a bye in the Medal Rounds (Prediction there is USA, Canada, Sweden with Russia getting the bye). The No. 5 Seed will play the No. 12 seed, No. 6 will play the No. 11 seed, etc. etc.
Medal Predictions
Gold - Sweden (+450)
Silver - United States
Bronze - Russia
Canada at +175 is no solid bet IMO, their European ties have been horried, finishing fourth in Nagano and seventh in Turin. Missing Stamkos, Giroux, Coutoure and Thornton hurts, but they will score and quite often, just a matter of facing those teams that can shut them down, such as well USA, Sweden and Finland. Not to mention having Mike Smith and Carey Price as the backup really can hurt. As tempting as it is, I am passing on this wager
Sweden at +430 is the best bet in the Games, is the most complete team here, they have every bit of a chance to "shock the world" in this tournament, if their goal tending can do what it is supposed to, I see no reason why you do not see a USA/Sweden Gold Medal Game.
Russia at +215 is probably the second best bet, based on home ice and the front line, but again their blue line is horrid and in net, you cannot expect Varlamov to do it all.
USA at +550 is my third wager, based on the odds really, I see this team, despite having trouble on the "big ice" to be a team that will want that Gold Medal, their firepower and goaltending will do wonders here, but still believe it is Sweden that takes it.
0
So it is finally time for the Men's Tournament to kickoff, the Schedule is as follows:
2/12/14 - Group C (Czech Republic versus Sweden & Latvia versus Switzerland)
2/13/14 - Group A (Russia versus Slovenia & USA versus Slovakia); Group B (Finland versus Austria & Canada versus Norway);
2/14/14 - Group B (Canada versus Austria & Norway versus Finland); Group C (Czech Republic versus Latvia & Sweden versus Switzerland)
2/15/14 - Group A (Slovakia versus Slovenia & USA versus Russia); Group C (Switzerland versus Czech Republic & Sweden versus Latvia)
2/16/14 - Group A (Russia versus Slovakia & USA versus Slovenia); Group B (Finland versus Canada)
Group A Preview:
Russia/Slovakia/United States/Slovenia
Russia playing in their home country can do wonders, has a sixth-place finish in Vancouver to exact revenge on, and it helps when you have Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk and Daysyuk on the front line, but man that blue line is severely weak. Varlamov in goal is a force to be reckon with, has a nice 2.48 GAA and a .924 save percentage, but does have competition in Bobrovsky, whom despite his struggles could give Varlamov a run for the starting job, but I highly doubt it. My prediction is that this team does advance obviously.
USA comes in after a heart breaking gold medal game four years back, great job of tying it up but just lost it in OT thanks to Sid the Kid, this year, on the big ice, it may be a bit tricky. Some names were left off such as Bobby Ryan and Kyle Okposo which could hurt, but their offensive firepower is great. The goalies in net in Miller, Quick and Howard is by far a close competition for best in the Olympics, but in the end it is scoring, and it gets them Group win IMO.
Slovakia and Slovenia have names such as Gaborik and Kopitar, but they finish 3rd and 4th respectively.
Group B Preview
Finland/Canada/Norway/Austria
Really without going too far into it, Canada wins this group but may get some competition from Finland who always seems to battle them well. Stamkos is not here for Canada but how do you say that is a loss when you have Crosby, St. Louis, Toews, Perry, etc, etc. Their weak spot is in fact in goal, Luongo may start, which is hard to tell which one you get, regular season or playoff Roberto.
Finland has the best goalies bar none in these games with Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen, Antti Niemi and Tuuka Rask, but outside of Selanne, their firepower is waning. One NHL guy in Mats Zuccarello plays for Norway, and as for Austria there is Grabner and Vanek but it will wind up being Austria and Norway finishing 3rd and 4th respectively.
Group C Preview:
Czech Republic/Sweden/Switzerland/Latvia
Sweden is the favorite to win this Group and most likely will, as all their players, except for one are coming over from the NHL. The recent exclusion of Franzen and Henrik Sedin hurts their offense, but a nice solid replacement in Nyquist helps. Lundqvist is in net for the Swedes, who has the most European experience out of anyone in this tournament. Their team is very very solid.
Jagr, Krejci and Michalek spells most of the offense for the Czechs, with Pavelec in net, whom for Winnipeg posted a 2.97 GAA and .901 save percentage, but inviting Erat over Hudler may hurt down the line, as Erat is very slow and Hudler having a great year for Calgary.
Switzerland, most likely finishes third in the Group thanks to Jonas Hiller in goal, but they will finish just above Latvia who really is just here for placement.
Medal Round
The three group winners and the team with the best record of the non-group winners get a bye in the Medal Rounds (Prediction there is USA, Canada, Sweden with Russia getting the bye). The No. 5 Seed will play the No. 12 seed, No. 6 will play the No. 11 seed, etc. etc.
Medal Predictions
Gold - Sweden (+450)
Silver - United States
Bronze - Russia
Canada at +175 is no solid bet IMO, their European ties have been horried, finishing fourth in Nagano and seventh in Turin. Missing Stamkos, Giroux, Coutoure and Thornton hurts, but they will score and quite often, just a matter of facing those teams that can shut them down, such as well USA, Sweden and Finland. Not to mention having Mike Smith and Carey Price as the backup really can hurt. As tempting as it is, I am passing on this wager
Sweden at +430 is the best bet in the Games, is the most complete team here, they have every bit of a chance to "shock the world" in this tournament, if their goal tending can do what it is supposed to, I see no reason why you do not see a USA/Sweden Gold Medal Game.
Russia at +215 is probably the second best bet, based on home ice and the front line, but again their blue line is horrid and in net, you cannot expect Varlamov to do it all.
USA at +550 is my third wager, based on the odds really, I see this team, despite having trouble on the "big ice" to be a team that will want that Gold Medal, their firepower and goaltending will do wonders here, but still believe it is Sweden that takes it.
Finland Women -1.5 over Switzerland Women/-2 +100/o4.5 +105
Contrary to what some people may think this could be a low scoring game, but Switzerland seems to be the whipping boy here, recent matches for Finland versus Switzerland were 6/3; 1/2; 1/6; 3/1; 2/1. Two of the losses were back to back European Championships where Finland really did not field a team that could prove any worth, four years prior they did not face off in the Olympics, but man alive is Finland on fire in net. Giving Canada the battle they did, shows they are the team that is not an opponent that the loser of USA/Canada want to see, if it comes to that. Switzerland's last match shows they really have no fight here, can see this has a 5/0 or 6/1 Finland win.
USA -140 over Canada/o4.5
Here is the match everyone on the women's side has been paying attention to. Both of these teams have the bye already, and USA is on top in goal differential, but nonetheless the game has a lot to be played for, meaning top of the table and bottom of the table. These two teams have faced each other alot has most will know, with their recent game being a 3/2 USA win on December 12th that had alot of penalty minutes and quite alot of brawls. Expect the same tough match here. Prior to that game their matches dating back to the Olympic Gold Medal game were: 2/0 Canada; 3:2 USA; 9/2 USA; 5/4 Canada; 3/0 USA; 3/2 Canada; 3/2 USA and 3/2 USA. These past games are pertinent because USA not only has jumped Canada in the rankings since 2012, where again these original rankings were based, but USA has predominantly owned Canada when it matters the most. This has a 3/2 USA win all over it, but I am saying 4/1 or 4/2. Canada has not been themselves, and USA can score at will.
Sweden Men/Czech Republic Men o4.5
I am very tempted to take the Swedes PL at +180, but am going on the first game jitters here for both teams. The total is a good one because well it is Men and can see Sweden taking a hard fought 4/1 victory. Their recent matches, all five being last year in various European tournaments, with one, in May being the World Championships, were 1/0 Sweden; 2/1 Sweden; 3/0 Sweden; 6/0 Sweden in November and 2/1 CR in December in a very meaningless tournament. Sweden can score, and the Czech's goaltening is a question, if Sweden can put 3 or 4 in the net, the Czech's can do their job as well.
Latvia +2 versus Switzerland/o5 +110
I really want to take the Swiss here on the + odds of the -2, and despite me feeling they will battle for third in the Group, this will be a very boring 2/0 or 2/1 Swiss win, though would not surprise me for the Latvians to steal the win. These teams last played four years back, none of those matter. What I look at is their actual matches versus others that each team played five games in a two month span in various tournaments, for Latvia it was a 3/2 loss at the Worlds versus Finland; 4/1 win over a Russia B team; a 4/3 loss to the same team; 4/3 win over Germany and in December a day later a 4/0 loss. For the Swiss, it was a 3/2 win over Germany; a 5/4 loss to a younger and no star USA team; a 3/0 win over Slovakia, and in December a 4/2 win over Norway and a day later a 3/2 loss to Belarus. Each team's results tell me they can score when they really want to play, and these two teams, being the second on the opening day will want to put on a show, this game to me is two teams that have an ok offense, versus two teams that have no goalies.
Final Plays are:
Finland Women -1.5/-2 +100/o4.5 +105 USA Women -140/o4.5 Sweden Men/Czech Republic o4.5 Latvia Men +2/Switzerland o5 +110
0
7/6/0
Finland Women -1.5 over Switzerland Women/-2 +100/o4.5 +105
Contrary to what some people may think this could be a low scoring game, but Switzerland seems to be the whipping boy here, recent matches for Finland versus Switzerland were 6/3; 1/2; 1/6; 3/1; 2/1. Two of the losses were back to back European Championships where Finland really did not field a team that could prove any worth, four years prior they did not face off in the Olympics, but man alive is Finland on fire in net. Giving Canada the battle they did, shows they are the team that is not an opponent that the loser of USA/Canada want to see, if it comes to that. Switzerland's last match shows they really have no fight here, can see this has a 5/0 or 6/1 Finland win.
USA -140 over Canada/o4.5
Here is the match everyone on the women's side has been paying attention to. Both of these teams have the bye already, and USA is on top in goal differential, but nonetheless the game has a lot to be played for, meaning top of the table and bottom of the table. These two teams have faced each other alot has most will know, with their recent game being a 3/2 USA win on December 12th that had alot of penalty minutes and quite alot of brawls. Expect the same tough match here. Prior to that game their matches dating back to the Olympic Gold Medal game were: 2/0 Canada; 3:2 USA; 9/2 USA; 5/4 Canada; 3/0 USA; 3/2 Canada; 3/2 USA and 3/2 USA. These past games are pertinent because USA not only has jumped Canada in the rankings since 2012, where again these original rankings were based, but USA has predominantly owned Canada when it matters the most. This has a 3/2 USA win all over it, but I am saying 4/1 or 4/2. Canada has not been themselves, and USA can score at will.
Sweden Men/Czech Republic Men o4.5
I am very tempted to take the Swedes PL at +180, but am going on the first game jitters here for both teams. The total is a good one because well it is Men and can see Sweden taking a hard fought 4/1 victory. Their recent matches, all five being last year in various European tournaments, with one, in May being the World Championships, were 1/0 Sweden; 2/1 Sweden; 3/0 Sweden; 6/0 Sweden in November and 2/1 CR in December in a very meaningless tournament. Sweden can score, and the Czech's goaltening is a question, if Sweden can put 3 or 4 in the net, the Czech's can do their job as well.
Latvia +2 versus Switzerland/o5 +110
I really want to take the Swiss here on the + odds of the -2, and despite me feeling they will battle for third in the Group, this will be a very boring 2/0 or 2/1 Swiss win, though would not surprise me for the Latvians to steal the win. These teams last played four years back, none of those matter. What I look at is their actual matches versus others that each team played five games in a two month span in various tournaments, for Latvia it was a 3/2 loss at the Worlds versus Finland; 4/1 win over a Russia B team; a 4/3 loss to the same team; 4/3 win over Germany and in December a day later a 4/0 loss. For the Swiss, it was a 3/2 win over Germany; a 5/4 loss to a younger and no star USA team; a 3/0 win over Slovakia, and in December a 4/2 win over Norway and a day later a 3/2 loss to Belarus. Each team's results tell me they can score when they really want to play, and these two teams, being the second on the opening day will want to put on a show, this game to me is two teams that have an ok offense, versus two teams that have no goalies.
Final Plays are:
Finland Women -1.5/-2 +100/o4.5 +105 USA Women -140/o4.5 Sweden Men/Czech Republic o4.5 Latvia Men +2/Switzerland o5 +110
Alpine Skiing - Women's Downhill - Best Finishing Position
Tina
Maze over Elizabeth Goergl x Stacey Cook over Nicole Schmidhofer x
Dominique Gisin over Elena Fanchini x Kajsa King over Daniela Merighetti
x Fabienne Suter x Larisa Yurkiw over Edit Miklos
Luge - Men's Doubles - Best Finishing Position
V.Yuzhakov/V.Makhnutin
over A.Petyniak/A.Wanielsta x T.Eggert/S.Benecken over A.Sics/J.Sics x
A.Sics/J.Sics over P.Pentz/G.Fischler
Snow Boarding - Women's Halfpipe - Best Finishing Position
Torah Bright over Hannah Teter x Torah Bright over Arielle Gold x Arielle Gold over Shuang Li CANCELLED DUE TO GOLD'S INJURY
Speed Skating - Men's 1000m - Best Finishing Position
Shani Davis over Brian Hansen x Shani Davis over Michel Mulder x Shani Davis over Tae Bum Bo
0
Alpine Skiing - Women's Downhill - Best Finishing Position
Tina
Maze over Elizabeth Goergl x Stacey Cook over Nicole Schmidhofer x
Dominique Gisin over Elena Fanchini x Kajsa King over Daniela Merighetti
x Fabienne Suter x Larisa Yurkiw over Edit Miklos
Luge - Men's Doubles - Best Finishing Position
V.Yuzhakov/V.Makhnutin
over A.Petyniak/A.Wanielsta x T.Eggert/S.Benecken over A.Sics/J.Sics x
A.Sics/J.Sics over P.Pentz/G.Fischler
Snow Boarding - Women's Halfpipe - Best Finishing Position
Torah Bright over Hannah Teter x Torah Bright over Arielle Gold x Arielle Gold over Shuang Li CANCELLED DUE TO GOLD'S INJURY
Speed Skating - Men's 1000m - Best Finishing Position
Shani Davis over Brian Hansen x Shani Davis over Michel Mulder x Shani Davis over Tae Bum Bo
Despite Finland's weak roster, this has blow out all over it. Their recent history versus Austria really cannot tell you much about this game, though their match versus Austria in May saw Finland win 7/2, Austria cannot score, not saying they will not, but will be tough, can see another four or five goal win with more than six being score, just cannot say anything really pertinent here.
Russia -4.5 over Slovenia/o6.5
Same as above, this has blowout all over it, with the host country kicking it all off. Their matches versus Slovenia is nine years apart, with a 8/1 Russia win in 2002 and a 6/4 win in 2011. With that said, do not let any of Russia's 2013 results fool you, minus the Worlds in May, they did not exactly field a very competitive team with the likes of the KHL and NHL going on. As for Slovenia, same applies, they are horrid, blown out by big teams, competitive and high scoring with those equal and below. Russia will have to probably score all seven, but I can see them hitting for a 8/0 or 8/1 win.
USA -1.5 over Slovakia/u5.5
When you hear the main clubs you think goals, but USA has this issue with starting slow, and while Slovakia will now be w/o Gaborik due to his broken collarbone, that is one offensive weapon gone and Slovakia really, though on the brink of medal contention in what i would say a few more years, they can keep it close, but this is a shutout win for USA IMO, sounds odd too, but would not again surprise me to see them allowing an early unexpected goal. Same as Russia, do not let USA's recent matches scare you away, did not field a strong team, including the worlds. Again though, despite losing both matches to Slovakia in 2013 by a final of 4/1 and 4/3, the additions USA is making obviously automatically makes any past games worthless.
Canada -4.5 over Norway/o6.5
This match is very similar to Russia's, blowout is the only thing expected, unlike the other powerhouses, Canada even when they did not field strong teams they did very well, and with alot of goals. Canada last faced Norway at the Worlds last year 7/1, this to me is going to be damn close to a double digit scoring effort as Canada will want to ride high on the goal differential. With that said I am sure Canada wins 4/0 but I am taking my shot that this is a shutout or one goal allowed win with, same as Russia, Canada needing to score all to make the cash.
As for both Women's games, where Germany/Japan and Russia/Sweden face off, the first is obviously for placings while Russia/Sweden is as well, but IMO Germany +.5 1st 60 and Sweden +.5 1st 60 would be the way to go
Final Plays are:
Finland -3/o6.5 Russia -4.5/o6.5 USA -1.5/u5.5 Canada -4.5/o6.5
0
11/10/0
Finland -3 over Austria/o5.5
Despite Finland's weak roster, this has blow out all over it. Their recent history versus Austria really cannot tell you much about this game, though their match versus Austria in May saw Finland win 7/2, Austria cannot score, not saying they will not, but will be tough, can see another four or five goal win with more than six being score, just cannot say anything really pertinent here.
Russia -4.5 over Slovenia/o6.5
Same as above, this has blowout all over it, with the host country kicking it all off. Their matches versus Slovenia is nine years apart, with a 8/1 Russia win in 2002 and a 6/4 win in 2011. With that said, do not let any of Russia's 2013 results fool you, minus the Worlds in May, they did not exactly field a very competitive team with the likes of the KHL and NHL going on. As for Slovenia, same applies, they are horrid, blown out by big teams, competitive and high scoring with those equal and below. Russia will have to probably score all seven, but I can see them hitting for a 8/0 or 8/1 win.
USA -1.5 over Slovakia/u5.5
When you hear the main clubs you think goals, but USA has this issue with starting slow, and while Slovakia will now be w/o Gaborik due to his broken collarbone, that is one offensive weapon gone and Slovakia really, though on the brink of medal contention in what i would say a few more years, they can keep it close, but this is a shutout win for USA IMO, sounds odd too, but would not again surprise me to see them allowing an early unexpected goal. Same as Russia, do not let USA's recent matches scare you away, did not field a strong team, including the worlds. Again though, despite losing both matches to Slovakia in 2013 by a final of 4/1 and 4/3, the additions USA is making obviously automatically makes any past games worthless.
Canada -4.5 over Norway/o6.5
This match is very similar to Russia's, blowout is the only thing expected, unlike the other powerhouses, Canada even when they did not field strong teams they did very well, and with alot of goals. Canada last faced Norway at the Worlds last year 7/1, this to me is going to be damn close to a double digit scoring effort as Canada will want to ride high on the goal differential. With that said I am sure Canada wins 4/0 but I am taking my shot that this is a shutout or one goal allowed win with, same as Russia, Canada needing to score all to make the cash.
As for both Women's games, where Germany/Japan and Russia/Sweden face off, the first is obviously for placings while Russia/Sweden is as well, but IMO Germany +.5 1st 60 and Sweden +.5 1st 60 would be the way to go
Final Plays are:
Finland -3/o6.5 Russia -4.5/o6.5 USA -1.5/u5.5 Canada -4.5/o6.5
This play is based on Czech Republic being able to put goals in the net over Sweden, may not seem much but if they play like that, and if Latvia plays the way they did versus the Swiss, this has a 4/0 or 5/0 CR win all over it. I do want to take the under on this, but can see some weird goal score to lose it. The under may be a bet to take though as CR has taken all five of their last matches with only two going over, but the one World match that mattered saw CR win 3/1. Defensive game here IMO.
Sweden -1.5 over Switzerland/o5.5 +110
I seriously am not too sure why this is only 1.5 and not 2.5 based on how well Sweden did in their first game, this has another nice an easy Swedes win begging to be taken out there. In regards to H2H, the total looks like a good small play. the over is 3/2 in the last 5 matches, where last year's Worlds saw Switzerland take the opening game 3/2, but Sweden dominating the placement 5/1. Other matches were 5/2 and 4/2 in favor of Switzerland, but Sweden is like CAN and USA, really do not place a strong team outside of the OLY. Can see a 5/1 or a nice 4/2 Sweden win here.
Canada -4.5/-5 over Austria/o6.5/o7.5 +125
Do not let their first game fool you, Austria is horrible, this is the game that CAN can look forward to scoring often. There isn't enough H2H action to define this pick, except for the fact of hopeful pure logic. Now with Austria scoring 4 versus Finland, its a bit odd, but Canada has the better goaltending to make sure that does not occur again.CAN wins this 6/1 or 7/1.
Finland -2/-2.5 over Norway
Norway doing what they did versus CAN makes this another play that may worry, but FIN can score, and scoring 3 is no worry to me 5/2 or 6/2 will be the final here. I want to take the over but just too risky to think scoring will occur for Norway.
Final plays are:
Czech Republic -2 Sweden -1.5/o5.5 +110 Canada -4.5/-5/o6.5/o7.5 +125 Finland -2.5
0
15/14/0
Czech Republic Men -2 over Latvia Men
This play is based on Czech Republic being able to put goals in the net over Sweden, may not seem much but if they play like that, and if Latvia plays the way they did versus the Swiss, this has a 4/0 or 5/0 CR win all over it. I do want to take the under on this, but can see some weird goal score to lose it. The under may be a bet to take though as CR has taken all five of their last matches with only two going over, but the one World match that mattered saw CR win 3/1. Defensive game here IMO.
Sweden -1.5 over Switzerland/o5.5 +110
I seriously am not too sure why this is only 1.5 and not 2.5 based on how well Sweden did in their first game, this has another nice an easy Swedes win begging to be taken out there. In regards to H2H, the total looks like a good small play. the over is 3/2 in the last 5 matches, where last year's Worlds saw Switzerland take the opening game 3/2, but Sweden dominating the placement 5/1. Other matches were 5/2 and 4/2 in favor of Switzerland, but Sweden is like CAN and USA, really do not place a strong team outside of the OLY. Can see a 5/1 or a nice 4/2 Sweden win here.
Canada -4.5/-5 over Austria/o6.5/o7.5 +125
Do not let their first game fool you, Austria is horrible, this is the game that CAN can look forward to scoring often. There isn't enough H2H action to define this pick, except for the fact of hopeful pure logic. Now with Austria scoring 4 versus Finland, its a bit odd, but Canada has the better goaltending to make sure that does not occur again.CAN wins this 6/1 or 7/1.
Finland -2/-2.5 over Norway
Norway doing what they did versus CAN makes this another play that may worry, but FIN can score, and scoring 3 is no worry to me 5/2 or 6/2 will be the final here. I want to take the over but just too risky to think scoring will occur for Norway.
Final plays are:
Czech Republic -2 Sweden -1.5/o5.5 +110 Canada -4.5/-5/o6.5/o7.5 +125 Finland -2.5
This match is a bit tricky, seems Slovenia can be competitive while Slovakia cannot. I felt Sweden would roll Switzerland this AM but was proved wrong, but just am not sure Slovenia can score enough. Feel a 4/2 or 5/1 final here for Slovakia.
USA/Russia o5.5
Only wager I see here due to both offenses and their firepower. Last two matches in the Worlds last year saw Russia win 5/3 then USA advance 8/3. This may be the best wager of the Group stage, one that will be an exciting game to watch. Think this hits in the 2P.
Sweden -2.5 over Latvia/o5.5
Switzerland proved a lot to a lot of people their last time out, Sweden absolutely dominated Switzerland late and obviously needed the 3P goal to prevail, but this is a different type of game, Sweden gets back to their rolling ways here.
Switzerland/Czech Republic u5.5
Tight defensive effort is expected here as long as the Swiss goal stays steady. My luck this loses late, but am not going to feel that can occur, think this is going to be a nice competitive defensive effort.
Women's Quarterfinals
Finland/Sweden u5
The Finnish needed Overtime to get there to face a not so strong Sweden. Me and others are probably the same mind in that Finland has been the surprise team of the Olympics, and I feel this has a rematch with the USA all over the place. Same applies here as a Men's match, if the goaltending stays the same, this is going to be a 1/0 or a 2/0 final for the Finnish. January of this year Finland won a friendly 4/0 that had both teams at full strength, two weeks prior Finland took a 3/2 OT win, in their last five no games have gone over 5.
Russia -1.5 over Switzerland/u5
The Russians and the Swiss have done too much scoring here but its been the Swiss that have been dominated, host country to me here is the time that Russia can do just the same, the Swiss may have shown up versus Finland, but this won't happen here, think this is going to be a surprise result for Russia.
My Final Plays are:
Slovakia Men -2/o5.5 USA Men/Russia o5.5 Sweden Men -2.5/o5.5 Switzerland Men/Czech Republic u5.5 Finland Women u5 Russia Women -1.5/u5
0
19/18/0
Slovakia -2 over Slovenia/o5.5
This match is a bit tricky, seems Slovenia can be competitive while Slovakia cannot. I felt Sweden would roll Switzerland this AM but was proved wrong, but just am not sure Slovenia can score enough. Feel a 4/2 or 5/1 final here for Slovakia.
USA/Russia o5.5
Only wager I see here due to both offenses and their firepower. Last two matches in the Worlds last year saw Russia win 5/3 then USA advance 8/3. This may be the best wager of the Group stage, one that will be an exciting game to watch. Think this hits in the 2P.
Sweden -2.5 over Latvia/o5.5
Switzerland proved a lot to a lot of people their last time out, Sweden absolutely dominated Switzerland late and obviously needed the 3P goal to prevail, but this is a different type of game, Sweden gets back to their rolling ways here.
Switzerland/Czech Republic u5.5
Tight defensive effort is expected here as long as the Swiss goal stays steady. My luck this loses late, but am not going to feel that can occur, think this is going to be a nice competitive defensive effort.
Women's Quarterfinals
Finland/Sweden u5
The Finnish needed Overtime to get there to face a not so strong Sweden. Me and others are probably the same mind in that Finland has been the surprise team of the Olympics, and I feel this has a rematch with the USA all over the place. Same applies here as a Men's match, if the goaltending stays the same, this is going to be a 1/0 or a 2/0 final for the Finnish. January of this year Finland won a friendly 4/0 that had both teams at full strength, two weeks prior Finland took a 3/2 OT win, in their last five no games have gone over 5.
Russia -1.5 over Switzerland/u5
The Russians and the Swiss have done too much scoring here but its been the Swiss that have been dominated, host country to me here is the time that Russia can do just the same, the Swiss may have shown up versus Finland, but this won't happen here, think this is going to be a surprise result for Russia.
My Final Plays are:
Slovakia Men -2/o5.5 USA Men/Russia o5.5 Sweden Men -2.5/o5.5 Switzerland Men/Czech Republic u5.5 Finland Women u5 Russia Women -1.5/u5
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