Canada vs Finland Prediction, Spread & Starting Goalies for New Year’s Eve Showdown

• Canada is favored by 1.5 goals over Finland at the World Juniors tonight
• The Finns have allowed only 4 goals on 40 shots through three games
• See my Canada vs Finland prediction, plus the latest spread and starting goalies for the New Year’s Eve showdown

Top spot in Group B is on the line tonight at the World Juniors as Canada (3-0) faces Finland (2-0-1). The Canadians can clinch the group with a victory, while a loss would drop them to second. The stakes are higher for Finland however, as a win would secure top spot in the group, but a loss could drop them down to third depending on the Czechia-Latvia outcome.

That’s significant because a third place group finish would lock in a date with either Sweden or USA in the quarters, which is not an ideal playoff round matchup. Online sportsbooks believe that scenario is in play, listing Canada as sizeable favorites.

Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT from the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN. NHL Network will cover broadcast duties in America, while TSN has the Canadian rights.

Here’s my Canada vs Finland prediction, along with the latest spread and starting goalies.

Canada vs Finland Prediction

World Junior Picks:

• Finland +1.5 (+110 at DraftKings)

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Canada had its way with Denmark last time out, but there is a gigantic gap in skill between the Danes and the Finns. The Canadians struggled to get past Czechia, and then needed overtime to beat a Latvia team Finland destroyed 8-0.

I’m predicting another tightly contested affair tonight, which makes Finland +1.5 a no brainer bet. Add in the fact that the Finns are +110 to cover the spread, and I’m not walking, I’m running to the window to bet Finland.

On paper, Canada’s biggest advantage lies with their offense led by Gavin McKenna. This is a team that’s littered with future NHL stars, and that features incredible scoring depth up and down its roster. The Canadians lead the tournament with 18 goals scored, but Finland is tied for second, along with heavyweight Sweden and USA.

The Finns boast a roster with several NHL prospects as well, as 14 of their players are tied to NHL clubs. They’re returning 11 juniors from last year’s silver-medal winning team, and get offensive contributions from all four lines.

Their biggest strength lies on defense, and that’s how they’ll keep this game close. Through three games, Finland has allowed a tournament low four goals. They’ve surrendered only 40 shots on net and just held Czechia to a single goal in regulation, after they lit the lamp five times against Canada.

Contrast that with the Canadians, who’ve allowed 7 goals and 33 more shots on net. Canada likes to play with pace and have their defensemen join the rush, but against cagey defensive teams that can turn them over that will lead to odd man rushes the other way.

The Finns are excellent in transition and will catch the aggressive Canadians out of position more than once. In a game like this, that might be all it takes for them to cover the spread. Canada might prevail in a tight contest, but beware of the Finns who are a very live dog.

Canada vs Finland Spread

The best place to bet Finland +1.5 right now is at DraftKings. Their +110 odds on that side are by far the best in market, as most other books don’t have plus-money odds attached to the Finns spread.

Canada are -340 moneyline favorites, while Finland comes back as a +260 underdog. Total-wise, the over under sits at 6.5 with -128 odds on the under. Given the juice on that side, I could easily see the total coming down before puck drop.

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Odds as of Dec. 31. New customers can claim the DraftKings promo code and get a bonus to bet on the World Juniors.

Canada vs Finland Starting Goalies

As for the starting goalies, nothing’s been announced yet, but there’s no mystery between the Finland pipes. Petteri Rimpinen will man the crease, just like he has in each of the team’s previous three games.

For Canada, it will likely be Carter George once again. He struggled in the opener, allowing five goals to Czechia, but bounced back versus Denmark stopping 12 of 13 shots.