Canada - Finland predictions and free betting tips [18/05/2024]

In Group A of the World Ice Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic, the national teams of Canada and Finland will face off.

Team Canada

Team Canada, as one of the main contenders for the 2024 World Ice Hockey Championship victory, successfully navigated the group stage, winning all 4 matches and amassing 11 points, positioning them second in Group A. The Canadians displayed impressive scoring prowess, netting 20 goals while conceding 10. The initial games against relatively weaker opponents such as Great Britain, Hungary, Denmark, and Austria served as effective warm-ups before more serious challenges. However, not all matches were smooth for the "Maple Leafs." Despite significant victories, the game against Austria exposed certain defensive issues within the team. Leading 6:1 after two periods, the Canadians allowed the Austrians to equalise in the third period, necessitating overtime, where Canada clinched a 7:6 victory. This game highlighted the team's instability despite their formidable roster, including stars like John Tavares.

 Upcoming matches for Canada include stronger opponents such as Finland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. These fixtures will be true tests for the team, as bookmakers and experts expect to see higher-quality hockey, particularly in the playoffs. Canada has prepared seriously for their first tough challenge against Finland, with two days of rest to demonstrate their best hockey at the tournament.

Team Finland

At the 2024 World Ice Hockey Championship, Team Finland, led by coach Jukka Jalonen, is displaying their traditionally high level of game organisation, even in the absence of standout stars. The team is known for their disciplined defence and ability to capitalise on offensive opportunities, often leading to success at international tournaments. In the current championship, the Finns have already secured three wins, including impressive results against Great Britain (8:0) and Norway (4:1), but also suffered two unexpected losses to the Czech Republic (0:1 in a shootout) and Austria (2:3), placing them fourth in Group A with a total of 14 goals scored and 5 conceded. The Finnish team encountered unforeseen difficulties in their game against Austria, where despite an early two-goal lead, they relinquished the victory, serving as a serious lesson. Despite their potential and quality of play, the Finns are struggling with consistency, as seen in their inability to maintain a lead during critical moments. These instances are particularly painful given the need to accumulate points to strengthen their position in the standings.

The next match against a strong Canadian team will be a significant test for the Finns. Last year, in the quarterfinal stage, Canada claimed a convincing 4:1 victory, leaving Finland without medals. This clash with Canada, who boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, will be a crucial moment for the Finnish team in their quest to progress from the group and redeem themselves from last year's setbacks.

Head-to-head

In recent years, matches between Canada and Finland in international tournaments have often been bright and memorable. Since 2021, the teams have met 5 times, showcasing intense and equal battles. Their last match took place on 25 May 2023 at the World Championship, where Canada achieved a convincing 4:1 victory. A year earlier, in the World Championship final, Finland triumphed in overtime with a 4:3 score, taking home the gold medals. In December 2021, at the Channel One Cup, the Finns also demonstrated their superiority, defeating Canada 4:1. However, the same year at the World Championship held in the summer, the scenario was different; on 6 June 2021, Canada edged out with a 3:2 overtime victory. Their clash on 1 June 2021 at the World Championship was equally thrilling, with Finland overcoming Canada in a shootout contest with a 3:2 score.

Prediction for the Canada vs Finland match

After their fiasco against Austria, the Finns are clearly determined to fight to keep their chances of progressing from the group alive. The Canadians also managed to take the game against Austria to overtime despite leading 6:1. Therefore, I am betting on a positive handicap for the nominal visitors. Jalonen's men need to pull themselves together.