Sweden vs Russia World Juniors Odds, Picks, and How to Watch

• Sweden and Russia play on Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 at 9:30 PM EST on NHL Network
• Sweden has not lost a preliminary round game since December 31, 2006
• Here are the odds, team previews, and a prediction that features the best value bet on the board

Will history be made when Sweden and Russia face off at the World Juniors?

Sweden has won 54 straight preliminary round games but enters this game as the underdog. Their last loss in the group stage came in overtime against Team USA back in 2006.

Sweden vs Russia Odds

Odds as of Dec. 28th

This is a measuring stick game for both clubs that could play a major impact on the quarter-final round. While both are expected to advance, a loss in this game will surely result in a much tougher opponent in the knock out stage. Let’s take a look at both teams to settle on the best value bet.

Sweden Impressive As Always In The Early Stages

Some questioned if Sweden would enter the 2021 World Juniors with the same cohesive play as usual. With the quarantine period upon arrival in Edmonton and the lack of exhibition games, some thought it was going to be tough.

Well, Sweden put those questions to bed opening with a pair of victories outscoring the Czech Republic and Austria by a score of 11-1. The 14-year streak in the round-robin continues on after two stress-free wins to ease their way into Wednesday’s tough test against Russia.

Broberg with a well-deserved assist on Sweden's PPG as the team captain & #Oilers D prospect has been excellent against the Czechs thus far.@IIHFHockey | #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/cq3xXbShbc

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 26, 2020

Two players to watch for the Swedes are defenseman Philip Broberg and Victor Soderstrom. Broberg was selected 9th in the 2019 NHL draft by the Edmonton Oilers and Soderstrom went two picks later to the Arizona Coyotes. The pair have combined for seven assists in only two games, despite Broberg sitting out against Austria. Expect to see heavy minutes from the two defensemen, especially considering Sweden has a day off to prepare for the Russians.

Russia Has Been Inconsistent So Far

Russia opened the tournament with a big win over the Americans. The 5-3 victory in that game is much of the reason they are favored over Sweden. The issue is, they followed up the win over the USA with a loss to the Czech Republic. The same team Sweden beat 7-1 shut out Russia 2-0. It was one of those incredible goalie performances that happen every few years at the world junior tournament but still, a loss is a loss.

Goals could be hard to come by in this one. 🇷🇺 Yaroslav Askarov recovers from a bad giveaway to rob 🇨🇿 Jakub Rychlovski. 0-0 in the second period between @russiahockey and @narodnitym in a marquee Group B #WorldJuniors matchup pic.twitter.com/X0oR8m247z

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 28, 2020

Star goalie and first round NHL draft pick Yaroslav Askarov has been just okay so far. After putting up incredible numbers with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, he has posted a 1-1 record with a 2.54 goals against average and, .909 save percentage. He needs to be better, as do several of Russia’s talented forwards.

Vasili Ponomaryov is the only player on the team with more than one point. They need more production from their top names like Vasily Podkolzin and Rodion Amirov if they are going to compete not only in this game but for a medal as well.

Bet On Sweden’s Streak To Continue

Sweden as an underdog in the preliminary round of this tournament is an absolute gift. Placing a +125 wager on a team riding a 14-year win streak is about as good as it gets. Trust them to get it done and improve on their undefeated record.

The Pick: Sweden Moneyline (+125)