Published Feb 21, 1:03am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 21, 1:03am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Feb 21, 1:03am ET
The final that all ice hockey fans dreamt of will be happening on the final day of competition at the Winter Olympics.
USA will be hoping to end a long wait for gold at the Olympics, with the Americans last winning the top prize in ice hockey in 1980.
Meanwhile, the Canadians have been the dominant force in the hockey event throughout modern history, and they have been the outright favorites for the top prize throughout the competition.
|
|
|---|---|
| Canada | -119 |
| USA | -101 |
Canada will boast the better record of the two nations ahead of the final, but it could be argued that they have been fortunate to maintain their winning record in the last two rounds.
The Canadians looked to be on the brink of elimination in the semi-finals, trailing 2-0 against the reigning Olympic champions Finland, before their NHL-quality would ultimately make the difference.
Nathan MacKinnon scored the dramatic winner. Canada appeared to be heading for a shock loss before Sam Reinhart and Shea Theodore tied the scores.
National captain Sidney Crosby is set to miss the final after picking up an injury against Czechia earlier in the week.
It could be argued that Mike Sullivan's USA bring the better confidence into this fascinating Gold Medal Game.
The USA dominated from start to finish in their semi-final clash with Slovakia, scoring six times and effectively taking the game out of reach inside a thrilling second period.
Dylan Larkin opened the scoring, before the influential Jack Hughes netted twice. Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson, and Jack Eichel added further goals.
However, the attention will now switch to their biggest test to date, as the U.S. bid to win their first Winter Olympic gold since 1980 memorable success at Lake Placid.
| TOTAL | Canada | USA | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 20 | 14 | 6 | - |
| GOALS | 119 | 65 | 54 |
A fifth Olympic showdown between the USA and Canada will determine the gold medal winners on Sunday.
Canada has looked defensively weak, going behind in their last two games, while the USA has gotten stronger as the tournament has progressed. Due to that, the preference is for the U.S. to end a memorable Games with a historic success.
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Pick
USA
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