Nick Suzuki has emerged as the key to Canada’s medal push and headlines Friday's semifinal vs. Finland.
With his confidence growing after a tough start and a likely expanded role ahead, it’s hard to overlook the center finding the back of the net.
Find out more in my free betting picks for February 20, and make sure to check out our full Canada vs. Finland predictions!
Team Canada goal scorer picks for Friday
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Canada's Best Price: Nick Suzuki (+425)
This anytime goal scorer pick has been BOOSTED BY BET99 — making it the best price available in Canada!
Many, including myself, had been hard on Nick Suzuki entering the quarterfinals, but a costly injury to Sidney Crosby vaulted him into a top-six offensive role and moved him back to his natural position at center. If not for Suzuki's heroics on Thursday, the Canadians would be watching this game.
Crosby has not been officially ruled out, but it would be a big surprise if he suited up after the way his second-period injury looked. That would push Suzuki to second-line center between Mitch Marner and Mark Stone, which has been Team Canada’s second-best line.
Suzuki already has two goals despite limited shifts. He could see his ice time increase by two minutes or more, which is why he’s my favorite value for an anytime goal scorer at the current prices.
Cale Makar (+325)
The Canadian blueline hasn’t contributed much offensively, but once No. 87 went down, Cale Makar looked like he shifted into another gear. He played a team-high 26:41 in the last game and is one of the few defensemen actively engaging offensively.
At the same price as Tom Wilson, who logged just 8:33 in the last game, Makar ranks in my top five for probable goal scorers. As the game tightens, his low-to-high point shot becomes an even bigger weapon, and multiple blueliners could find the scoresheet on Friday.
Makar will be facing Juuse Saros, who ranks 55th out of 70 NHL goalies (10+ starts) in goals saved above expected — another boost for the reigning Norris Trophy winner.
Connor McDavid (+105)
Connor McDavid is playing on another level compared to everyone else in the tournament, and Finland will struggle to contain him — especially without last change. Although McDavid didn’t score against Czechia, he still led Canada with seven shots on goal while seeing nearly 22 minutes of ice time.
If Canada has to chase the game, McDavid’s ice time will increase significantly, and he’ll be on the ice almost every other shift. He already has 11 points in four games, scoring in half of them.
With Crosby potentially sidelined, the offense will likely run almost entirely through McDavid, and another huge performance wouldn’t be surprising.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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