Czech Republic vs Canada World Juniors Odds & Pick: Canadians Listed as -800 Favorites
- Team Canada is listed as -800 moneyline favorites to beat the Czech Republic on Tuesday (Dec. 31)
- The host Czechs have lost two straight since upsetting Russia in their tournament opener
- Read below for the odds and how to bet on Tuesday’s matchup
With a 2-0-0-1 record (6 points) in Group B pool play at the 2020 World Junior Championships, Canada faces off against the Czech Republic (1-0-1-1, 4 points) at 1:00 PM ET on New Year’s Eve, needing a win to take over top spot from Team USA (8 points). Team Canada is a massive -800 favorite.
Team Canada vs Czech Republic Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | -2.5 (-130) | -800 | Under 6.5 (EVEN) |
| Czech Republic | +2.5 (-105) | +475 | Over 6.5 (-130) |
Odds taken Dec. 31
Team Canada Rebounds Against Germany
After a serious wake-up call from Russia, which handed Canada a 6-0 loss, the Canadians came out to face Germany with some adversity surrounding their team. Alexis Lafreniere and Joe Veleno were both unavailable and, after looking so flat against Russia, Canada had to be doubting themselves somewhat.
The Canadians put any doubts to rest by getting the first goal of the game as Nolan Foote beat German goalie Henrik Have.
Foote was a first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2019 Entry Draft in Vancouver, selected 27th overall. He is the son of long-time NHL player Adam Foote.
Nolan Foote rockets one home and Canada takes the lead in the 1st! pic.twitter.com/vE8kpHNfUR
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2019
Canada widened the lead to 3-0 on goals from Liam Foudy (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Calen Addison (Pittsburgh Penguins) just two minutes apart in the second period.
Nico Daws had struggled in the game against Russia, sparking widespread criticism on social media about Canada’s goaltending, but Joel Hofer stood tall in his first start of the tournament. Hofer, a St. Louis Blues prospect, made 18 saves on 19 shots with the lone goal coming late in the third. He was named player of the game for Canada.
Canada now faces the Czech Republic still with a lot on the line. The pressure is on to win Group B and earn the easiest draw possible in the quarterfinals.
Host Czech Republic Loses Big Game To U.S.A.
The U.S. beat the Czechs in overtime and now the Czechs find themselves in a tough spot against the Canadians.
The U.S. took the lead and dominated early but the Czech’s struck back with a goal from Libor Zabransky, who is in his third season with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL.
With the game tied at two, the U.S. struck again as Jack Drury made it 3-2 for the Americans.
The Czechs finally get the equalizer! Petr Cajka ties it in the third period ?? pic.twitter.com/tReZvKbYDd
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2019
The Czech’s had a goal called back on goaltender interference in the third, but managed to tie the game and force overtime on a goal by Petr Cajka.
Overtime saw the teams trade chances before Cole Caufied and Alex Turcotte combined on a beautiful give-and-go to net the winner.
USA’s Cole Caufield and Alex Turcotte ?? work a beautiful give-and-go for the OT winner! pic.twitter.com/fdnHYWzAx5
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2019
The Best Bet
Team Canada looks to have rebounded from their loss to Russia and have a lot to prove without Lafreniere. With their goaltending sorted and Joe Veleno back, they are the easy favorites.
Pick: Team Canada ML (-800), Under 6.5 (EVEN)
Ben has been an avid sports fan since the 1980s. Specializing in hockey, baseball, and tech, Ben has contributed to CKNW via his tech blog Vancouver Gadgets and currently writes for SBD, as well as other online publications.
