It’s time for a couple of the heavy hitters at the World Junior Hockey Championship to square off, as Sweden takes on Canada on Friday.
Canada have been all business, dumping Finland and blasting Latvia in their first two games in Group A, so much so their odds at a three-peat have climbed to a tournament-best +200.
They’re tabbed as +160 favorites against the Swedes, who are hoping to bounce back from last year’s semifinal loss to Czechia.
Read below for my free World Junior Hockey Championship betting picks for Sweden vs Canada on December 29.
Editor's note: Pick was made prior to Sweden's game against Germany on Dec. 28.
Sweden vs Canada odds
 Sweden |
 Canada |
|
|---|---|---|
| +200 | 3-way (regular time) | -115 |
| +375 | Tie | +375 |
| +1 (-150) | Spread | -1 (+110) |
| Over 6 (-130) | Total | Under 6 (-105) |
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction as of December 29, 2023.
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Sweden vs Canada picks and predictions
A day after Sweden dumped Latvia 6-0, the Canadians were relentless against the Latvians — hammering them 10-0.
Macklin Celebrini, projected to be the top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, finished with a goal and four assists to pace the Canadian attack. Conor Geekie and Carson Rehkopf each tallied twice, while Fraser Minten and Brayden Yager each had a goal and an assist.
The Swedes are looking for their first WJHC since 2012. Continuity is one of their strengths, as they return nine players from last year’s team. That includes Filip Bystedt, the San Jose Sharks prospect who tied for the team lead with 10 points a year ago. He’s off to a hot start with two goals against Latvia.
One player who they hoped would deliver after a year under his belt is Jonathan Lekkerimaki, a Vancouver Canucks pick. So far, so good, as he also had a pair of goals over Latvia.
After finishing with just one goal in last year’s tourney, Lekkerimaki’s been solid in the Swedish Hockey League this season, with 10 goals and 16 points in 24 games.
These teams met last year, with the Canadians beating up on the Swedes 5-1 — though only Owen Beck was in that game for Canada, the lone returnee this year.
This will be Canada’s first true tournament test, against the actual home team. From pre-tournament to now, they've been able to fill the net, scoring at least five goals in every game they’ve played.
I think Sweden can match the Canadian tempo and talent. It will be close, but I’m confident there will be enough scoring to cover the total.
My best bet: Over 6 (-130 at SIA)
Sweden vs Canada moneyline & Over/Under analysis
Canada have been favorites through the first three games in the tournament, powered by a pair of wins where they’ve outscored the opposition 15-2.
They're hovering mostly around the -160 mark, while the Swedes are home underdogs in their home barn, sitting in the +125 range.
Even though the Swedes bowed out with two straight losses last year, they were competitive in every game, with five of their seven games ending with a one-goal margin.
As for the total, Canada have already blown through the Over in their first two tournament games, while Sweden combined with Latvia for just six goals.
Two of their seven games last year went for more than 6.5 goals, including a wild bronze-medal matchup, with the U.S. topping Sweden 8-7 in overtime.
Sweden vs Canada betting trend to know
Since an upset loss to start last year’s tournament, the Canadians have reeled off eight straight wins at the WJHC.
Sweden vs Canada game info
| Location: | Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Date: | Friday, December 29, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 1:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
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