Olympic Hockey Betting Previews – Canada vs Slovakia
Money to be made on Canadians and bookmakers’ oversight
THE mighty Canadians fell, and they fell hard at the hands of their American rivals but in this match-up they have an opportunity to claw back to where they deserve to be, the Olympic Gold Medal game.
The Canadians came up big when it mattered and demolished the Russian team, which consisted of the world’s most prolific scorers. As if to prove that Canada still breeds world class scoring talent, they combined for seven goals against two goaltenders and buried the Russian dreams of a hockey medal.
As predicted before the tournament, the age and experience of the Slovakian team has helped them to maneuver through higher ranked opponents Russia, Czech Republic and Sweden.
They assume their familiar underdog position against the men from the north and will be calling on all of their experience to find a way to get by Crosby and friends. Although Slovakia was not ranked at the top of the class coming in, their seeding was similar to team U.S.A. who found a way to topple Canada in preliminary play.
Everyone loves a Cinderella story, but this is where the tale ends for Slovakia. Palfy, Hossa and Visnovsky are excellent players in their own rights, but the talent pool of the Canadian team is peaking at the right time as they seem to be gelling on the ice enroute to a berth in the Gold medal game.
The fourth line, for example will pit Bartecko, Radivojevic and Kopecky – three virtually unknown players – agains Eric Staal, Joe Thornton and Cory Perry. The Canadian fourth line would be the envy of nearly any coach in the world for his top group.
Martin Brodeur has been the world’s best goaltender since the retirement of the great Patrick Roy, and it may be time for him to pass the torch to the new French phenom, Roberto Luongo. Bobby Lou helped to turn the Canadian team around after their disappointing loss and beat the #2 ranked Team Russia.
This may be the first time in history that Team Canada is favored by a margin as slim as -140 over a team as traditionally average as the Slovakians. Take advantage of the bookmakers’ oversight and cash in as the Canadians move on to the Gold medal game.
Canada and Slovakia will face off at 6.30pm in Canada Hockey Place on Friday, February 26. Click here if you’d like to take our advice and make some money.
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February 26, 2010 at 7:31 am | Jeremy B
The canadians came out against the Russians and played a really physical game… if they do this to the Slovaks they will literally beat them into submission