Switzerland vs Russia 2020 IIHF World Juniors Quarterfinals Odds & Pick

• Russia finished third in Group B, needing a win over Germany in their final game just to qualify for the elimination round
• Switzerland has been a surprise in this tournament, finishing second in Group A behind Sweden
• Russia’s eight goals allowed are tied for the fewest in this tournament

It’s been a roller coaster ride so far for Russia in the World Junior Hockey Championship. However, after a commanding 6-1 win over Germany in their final game, they’ll now face Switzerland in the quarterfinals. They’re a massive -1000 favorite versus the Swiss but after a number of scares, can Russia deliver?

Russia vs Switzerland Odds

Odds taken Jan. 1

Russia’s Roller Coaster Ride

The Russian team wasn’t favored to win this tournament but they were surely expected to perform better than they have so far. They finished the preliminary round with two wins and two losses. They actually needed a win over Germany just to qualify for the quarters as a loss would have dropped them into relegation round.

In fairness, Russia has faced some tough competition so far and their two losses have come at the hands of the Czech Republic and the United States. At the same time, that was the Czech Republic’s only win to date, so Russia shouldn’t be losing games like that.

At the same time, Russia does have a 6-0 win over Canada – the team that finished at the top of Group B and is favored to win this tournament. Russia has also allowed just eight goals so far, which ties them with Sweden for the best mark in the tournament.

How Good Is Switzerland?

Typically, Switzerland is no more than a pesky squad in these types of tournaments. They’ll spring an upset or two from year to year but rarely threaten to win it all. They’re at the bottom of the table in terms of medals in this event as they’ve only ever claimed a bronze (just once). However, is this year’s team different?

Switzerland lost 5-2 to Sweden, who finished atop Group A, so that piece of evidence suggests that this is the same ‘ol Swiss side. On the other hand, Switzerland stomped Slovakia 7-2 and also beat the defending champs, Finland, by a score of 5-2. Maybe this year’s squad is different. They finished the preliminary round 3-0-0-1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgNu6M6MvcY

Switzerland has been scoring a lot of goals as their 19 are just one back of Sweden for the most in the tournament. Canada and the United States have just 17 goals; it’s odd to see Switzerland with more tallies so far.

Russia vs Switzerland Statistical Comparison

What’s the Best Bet?

There’s no question that Switzerland is playing at a really high level right now as their 5-2 win over Finland might be their best-ever performance in this tournament. What’s surprising with this betting line is that the odds don’t reflect that.

There’s no question that Russia has played the tougher schedule and they should be expected to win. However, -1000 should be preserved for situations where a team is an absolute lock to win. I’m not necessarily expecting an upset but I surely wouldn’t be surprised by one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sInsCIKLsrQ

Since we have a point spread posted on this game, I’d take a shot on Switzerland +3.5 goals. They should be able to keep this game close if they play as they did versus Finland and Slovakia.