Everything about this World Championship pointed to these two teams meeting in the final. Sweden cruised through the tournament, becoming the only team among all 16 to not drop a single point in the group stage. However, such a dominant run can sometimes dull a team’s edge, and the quarterfinal proved to be a true test. Sweden faced a tough opponent in Finland. The Swedes had a overwhelming advantage in shots but couldn’t find the net for a long time. Tre Kronor fans likely had dark thoughts throughout the game, as a single ricochet or a lucky shot could have decided everything. With five minutes left in the third period, Rasmus Dahlin finally opened the scoring, but Finland showed character by pulling their goalie for an extra attacker and equalizing. Moreover, the Finns controlled the puck early in overtime and had the advantage, but Sweden earned a power play. Converting a four-on-three advantage was a matter of execution. The quarterfinal was passed, but not without drama. In the semifinal, Sweden had to face the tournament hosts. The first period ended 2-2, with all goals scored in the opening ten minutes. Sweden attacked more and fired more shots on goal, but they conceded three goals in three minutes midway through the second period, which sealed their fate in a 3-7 loss.
Canada finished first in Group A, but their path was tougher. Their opponents were stronger than Sweden’s; it’s worth noting that three teams from Group A reached the semifinals. In recent years, regardless of the roster Canada brings to the World Championship, they are always contenders for the top spot. Canada had played in the last four World Championship finals, winning two of them. This time, their squad included several players who could have claimed spots on the World Cup or Olympic team. In the quarterfinal, Canada faced Slovakia. All pre-match analysis favored the Canadians, and no upset occurred. André Tourigny’s team played their game and allowed Slovakia to play theirs, securing a convincing 6-3 win. In the semifinal, they met Switzerland. The teams had already faced each other in the group stage, a close game that ended 3-2 in Canada’s favor. It’s hard to say what happened to the Canadians in the first period, but they were outshot and fell behind 2-0. They only woke up in the second period, firing many shots and attacking from different angles, managing to tie the game on a power play with two minutes left in the third period. Overtime ended goalless, and luck favored the Swiss in the shootout. Interestingly, the last time Canada missed the final was in 2018, also losing to Switzerland. The bronze medal match promises to be just as exciting as the gold medal game. Bookmakers give a slight edge to Sweden.
Recommended bets: Sweden win (P1), Canada with a handicap of 0 (Ф2 (0)), Over 6 total goals (ТБ 6).
Odds: Sweden win – from 2.32 (BetBoom) to 2.46 (Liga Stavok); Canada win – from 2.51 (Liga Stavok) to 2.65 (Betsity).