Replace the All-Star Game with 4 Nations Face-Off LAS VEGAS -- The scenery changes from Montreal to Boston, as the 4 Nations Face-Off hits round three of pool play. The Americans are in the championship [https://thehockeynews.com/news/mayhem-at-4-nations-face-off-followed-by-precision-from-team-usa-against-canada], while Canada, Finland and Sweden are all vying for the second slot. Both Canada and USA are heavy favorites on Monday, against Finland and Sweden, respectively. Canada is laying -400 to Finland in the early game, which starts at 1 pm eastern, while the United State is -205 against Sweden in the nightcap, at 8 pm. There's a lot to ponder with the Americans already clinched, and taking a cautious approach after their physical game against Canada, to avoid injuries before the championship. Sweden, on the other hand, poses a threat in a must-win situation [https://thehockeynews.com/news/swedens-hopes-of-winning-4-nations-face-off-are-dim-but-potential-positives-still-remain]. But it's the early game that has me intrigued, with both teams bringing different mindsets to the ice in Beantown. Let's do a deep dive into this one: WHY FINLAND: The Finns are coming off a huge overtime win against Sweden and bring plenty of momentum into this game. Aleksander Barkov poses an offensive threat, regardless who Canada has between the pipes, as do Olli Määttä and Patrik Laine, who both have two assists. Don't write off Finland just because it was the longest shot to win the event. WHY CANADA: This team is seething after losing to the United States on home ice. With so much pouring into Saturday's game, and bleeding out afterward, this game can't come soon enough for the Canadians. An early start works in their favor, as they'll be chomping at the bit to get back on the ice and avenge its loss. All betting lines are from Bet365 and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly. THE PICK: CANADA -2.5 +110 -- Make no mistake, Finland has plenty of talent. But as much of the emotion that went into the US-Canada game, was as much as the Finns took from their overtime win over Sweden. And a letdown is quite possible, as they could come out flat. Remember, Canada was taken to overtime by Sweden in the opening round, and scored just one goal on the Americans. A team with Sid, Connor, Nathan, Stone... you see what I'm saying? The Canadian boys are due for a breakout game. (Season Record: 16-26-1, Net: -1220$, based on 100$ units)
