Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Hockey Odds
The NHL may be on break, but if you are a hockey fan then all eye are on the Sochi Winter Olympics as the Hockey tournament for the gold began yesterday. Before we too much into it check out the odds for each team to win the gold this year (courtesy of Bovada):
Canada
19/10
Russia
12/5
Sweden
9/2
USA
6/1
Finland
11/1Â
Czech Republic
12/1
Switzerland
25/1
Slovakia
33/1
Norway
200/1
Latvia
400/1
Austria
750/1
Slovenia
1000/1
It is not a surprise to see Canada sit atop this list. Â They won the gold in 2010 and the sportsbooks have reason to believe they will do the same during this year’s winter games.
While no one is predicting that the USA will go very far this year, most have them winning bronze at best mainly due to reports of the team lacking chemistry, the most talked about game is between the male Russia and the US which will take place during the group stage on Feb. 15. Â While it is not 1980 and there will be no ” Miracle on the Ice” moment, there is undoubtedly still political unrest between the two countries to add to the drama of this game. Â Not to mention, that a lot of high end talent will be on the ice when they face off.
It will be the ultimate test to a reportedly disappointing US hockey team. Â Not only does Russia have the second best odds at winning the gold in the sportsbooks, it also shows up on nearly every sports analysts predictions to finish in the top three.
The US will have to face Slovakia today before it gets to Russia.
Slovakia is one of the team’s that keep coming up in conversations I am having with fellow members of the sports media when it comes to under appreciated teams who will surprise us at the Olympics. They have a lot of talent particularly at the goalie position and their defense may just steal the show.
Sweden is also the threat that no one is talking about due to the politics between Russia and the US and Canada. However, the Swedes could very easily end up sneaking up on everyone and taking the gold.
