Published Feb 18, 3:51am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 18, 3:51am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Feb 18, 3:51am ET
The reigning Olympic champions will be back in action on Feb 18, as Finland take on Switzerland in the quarterfinals. Find the odds and our picks here.
Finland secured their spot in the final eight as one of the four best teams in the group stage. However, they will need to raise their performance levels if they are to win a medal in Italy.
Switzerland showed their class in the playoff round after easing past host nation Italy, but it remains to be seen whether they have the quality against the more talented teams in the competition.
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|
|---|---|
| Finland | -245 |
| Switzerland | +200 |
Finland made national history in Beijing four years ago, winning the country’s first-ever gold medal in hockey.
Their form in the group stage should be respected, winning two of their three games, and winning back-to-back encounters following a shock loss on opening night against Slovakia.
Their 4-1 win over Sweden on MD2 was arguably one of the best team performances at the Games this winter, and a repeat of that showing will put them in a very strong position to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Switzerland have the quality to compete for a medal at this winter’s Olympics, and their quality is evident based on the fact that they sit second in the world rankings.
The nation’s only defeat in Group A was suffered emphatically against Canada, but their performances against other European nations have been reliable, beating France with ease on MD1, before claiming an overtime success over Czechia in their final group game.
Switzerland’s spot in this round was secured with a straightforward 3-0 win over Italy.
| TOTAL | Finland | Switzerland | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 1 | 0 | 1 | - |
| GOALS | 5 | 2 | 3 |
Switzerland’s lofty world ranking suggests that they have the ability to trouble Finland on Wednesday. However, based on performances at the Olympics, the edge must be given to the reigning champions in Milan.
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Pick
Finland
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