Cordell's prediction: Expect Switzerland to cover the massive puck line against Team USA.
Team USA is off to a strong start in the Olympics, winning both games decisively while posting a +9 goal differential.
While their winning ways should absolutely continue, my Switzerland vs. USA predictions lean toward backing the underdogs.
Let’s take a closer look at my free betting picks for Monday, February 9.
Switzerland vs USA Best bet: Switzerland +6.5 (-135 at Fanatics)
This line seems a little extreme. Team USA was favored by 3.5 goals on the puck line in their opener against Czechia, a game in which they won by four. Czechia is the No. 4-ranked country according to the IIHF.
A couple of games later, the USA is now priced as 6.5-goal favorites against the No. 5-ranked country.
That seems like too large a jump, especially considering Switzerland has already beaten Czechia in this tournament.
While shots were 36-30 in favor of Czechia, it’s not as if Switzerland was drastically outplayed and won by strong goaltending. They were right in the game, and a shootout victory was a perfectly reasonable outcome.
Switzerland predictably had a much tougher time against Canada. Even so, they only lost 4-0.
A 6.5-goal spread leaves Team USA little to no margin for error if they are to cover. If Switzerland musters up even a goal, the USA has to score eight times.
That’s a lot to ask, considering the Swiss have only conceded seven goals in two games despite facing the No. 2 and No. 4 countries in the world.
Kendall Coyne Schofield and the high-powered U.S. attack will be difficult to slow, but Switzerland’s defense doesn’t need to show much resistance with such a large spread.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Todd Cordell is a data-driven betting analyst. He uses numbers to help identify value across a wide variety of sports, with NHL being his specialty. Shot props, in particular, have proven to be a very fruitful market. Todd has served as a betting analyst in the public sphere for many years, most recently with theScore covering the NHL and MLB.
When not writing about sports betting, Todd stays busy analyzing the New Jersey Devils with a fine-tooth comb for InfernalAccess, his Devils-centric blog. Todd attended Sheridan College and graduated in 2014 with a diploma in print journalism.
If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so.It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly.Covers does not provide any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in your relevant locality.Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it.As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.