Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
USA
Sweden
In the early hours of Tuesday, February 18, the final match of the preliminary round of the Four Nations Tournament will take place, with Sweden facing the USA. The game is set to start at 02:00 CET. Here’s a breakdown of the matchup and a betting suggestion.
USA vs Sweden: Match preview
Meanwhile, the USA has already booked its place in the final, having dominated the group stage. They opened the tournament with a commanding 6-1 victory over Finland, where the Tkachuk brothers combined for five points, effectively deciding the game. In their second match, the USA defeated Canada 3-1, with Jake Guentzel scoring twice and Dylan Larkin netting the game-winner.
Through two games, the USA has scored nine goals while conceding only two, boasting the tournament’s best offense and defense. However, Matthew Tkachuk might sit out due to a minor injury, while backup goaltender Jake Oettinger could start in place of Connor Hellebuyck.
Sweden finds itself in a difficult situation. Tre Kronor lost their opening game of the tournament to Canada, 3-4 in overtime, despite coming back from a 1-3 deficit. In their second match, Sweden faced Finland in a key game, twice taking the lead but failing to hold on. Eventually, the Suomi netted the game-winner in overtime, leaving Sweden with just two points after two games.
With Finland and Canada also sitting at two points each, Sweden must hope for overtime in the head-to-head clash between those teams. If that happens, a regulation-time win against the USA would secure Sweden a spot in the final.
Prediction
Sweden will need to take risks if they still have a chance to qualify, though their fate largely depends on the outcome of the Finland-Canada game. The USA, having secured their spot in the final, could rotate their lineup but will still aim to maintain momentum in front of their fans.
Betting tip: USA to win, with odds of 1.8.
