The 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing starts on February 4. Like every Winter Olympics, one of the most entertaining and watched tournaments is men’s ice hockey. This Winter Olympics should be no different. Russia, the defending champs, headline a deep Men’s Ice Hockey field. Will the Russians defend their Olympic Gold Medal? Will Germany, the reigning silver medalists, turn the tables on Russia? How will the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Finland perform? Check out Olympics Betting odds for the gold medal in men’s ice hockey as well as an odds analysis.
Ice Hockey Betting Preview for Men’s Gold Medal
2022 Winter Olympics
- When: Feb. 4 – Feb. 20
- Where: Beijing, China
Updated Men’s Gold Medal Ice Hockey Odds
- Russian Olympic Committee +153
- Finland +380
- Sweden +430
- Canada +570
- Czech Republic +770
- USA +1425
- Germany +2400
- Switzerland +2400
- Slovakia +4700
- Latvia +6200
- Denmark +7500
- China +95000
Why did Russia become the favorite to repeat as Olympic Hockey gold medal champions?
Last year, before the omicron variant spread across the globe, the National Hockey League had decided to allow their players to participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Because the NHL was going to allow their players to participate, Team USA was an under +100 favorite to beat the Russian Olympic Committee, Canada, Germany, and the rest and win gold.
But now that the NHL has said they won’t allow their players to travel to China, the Russian Olympic Committee becomes the favorite.
Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, the KHL, has encouraged their players to participate. Because of that, Russia is a big time favorite to win.
At the odds, though, Russia is a play against. Yes, more professional hockey players will step onto the ice for Russia than any other nation.
But other teams boast former NHL players. So although Russia should be favored, they’re an underlay at +153.
Among Finland, Sweden, Canada, and the Czech Republic, which team has the best chance of upsetting the Russians?
Finland has a team first style and terrific goaltenders. So we must consider them a solid choice. Former NHL players Sami Vatanen, Leo Komarov, Markus Granlund, and Valtteri Filpulla should play for Finland. The Fins have a big shot.
Sweden, Canada, and the Czech Republic also have a chance. Of the three, Canada might have the best chance because Eric Staal will step onto the ice for the Canadians. So will former NHL players Devan Dubnyk, Jason Dehmers and Eric Fehr.
Is the USA a good play at +1425 to win the gold medal?
The United States offers overlay odds. Team USA should probably offer odds closer to what the Czech Republic offers than +1425.
College starts make up the bulk of the USA’s team. Those players, like North Dakota’s Jake Sanderson and Michigan’s Matty Beniers, are future NHL stars.
Also, former NHL players Aaron Ness, Kenny Agostino, and Steven Kampfer will step onto the ice. So if you want to back the United States, consider them a top play at +1425.
Name a couple of underdogs with odds of +2400 or higher that can win the gold medal in Olympic Hockey
Switzerland and Germany shouldn’t be as strong this Winter Olympics as they have been in past Winter Olympics. The Germans must play without Seattle Kraken goalie Philip Grubauer, one of the best in the NHL, and Edmonton Oiler and Hart Trophy winner Leo Draisatl.
The Swiss must play without Nashville Preds’ captain Roman Josi. The other underdogs, Latvia, Denmark, and Slovakia don’t offer overlay odds.
Sounds crazy, but China is the best overlay on the board. The Chinese signed foreign players to contracts to play for them in this tournament years ago, which is why Americans and Canadians will skate onto the ice for the home nation.
Defenseman Jake Chelios and goalie Jeremy Smith are American. Forward Spencer Foo and defenseman Ryan Sproul are Canadian.
Chinese captain Brandon Yip is also Canadian. Yip said he believes China has a real shot because the group has played together for at least 5 years. At +9500, China most definitely is worth a look to win the men’s hockey gold medal.
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