Face-off: 2310 ET, 16/02/2022
Venue: Wukesong Arena
The big two have made it safely through to the 2022 Winter Olympics women’s hockey final and Canada are fancied to be too strong for the USA in Beijing.
America shaded a shootout triumph when they met in the decider four years ago, but Canada lead 4-2 in titles overall and look a cut above this time.
They prevailed 4-2 during the group stage and appeal at 1.8 to oblige in regular time again here for our Canada Women vs USA Women predictions.
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Canada Women Odds
Canada scored 33 goals and conceded just five when romping to four straight wins in their pool and have been just as impressive in the knockout rounds.
Sweden were thrashed 11-0 in the quarter-finals and then Switzerland were brushed aside 10-3 in the semis.
Sarah Nurse has been their leading points scorer with 16 and provided four assists against the Swiss.
After claiming four straight gold medals from 2002 to 2014, the Canadians are clearly determined to regain their crown in China.
Rebecca Johnston, who is appearing at her fourth Games and has 10 points, described the semi as “a great game for us”.
She added: “Every game there’s a stepping stone in the right direction. You want to improve each game so you’re ready for that final.
“We just made sure we focused on us, focused on the little things.”
Getting 2018 MVP Melodie Daoust back from injury versus Switzerland was another boost and this attack-minded team is hard to resist.
We’re backing the favourites to win by exactly two goals at 6.5 from the Canada Women vs USA Women odds.
USA Women Odds
America gave Canada a tough test in their previous meeting, leading 2-1 at 31:34, and have won their five other matches at this tournament.
However, they certainly haven’t been visually as impressive as their fellow finalists and needed Alex Cavallini to be on top form when beating Finland 4-1 in the semis.
Head coach Joel Johnson has been hampered by injuries but declared: “It’s the Olympic final! We’re playing Canada, we’re excited and we’ve got two days to prepare.
“There are a few things to clean up, but each game there are some adjustments. Our power play was good and I thought our defensive play was outstanding and that starts in net.”
Hilary Knight had a goal and an assist and added: “It wasn’t our best hockey, but we put ourselves in a good position to prepare for the next one.”
There will always be extra pressure when these perennial superpowers get together but all the evidence suggests Canada are in better shape right now.
Let’s finish off our Canada vs USA betting tips by taking 17.0 for a repeat of last week’s 4-2 scoreline.
Additional stats
Last result:
CANADA 10-3 Switzerland
USA 4-1 Finland
Head-to-head: United States 2-4 Canada
