2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey odds, predictions: Canada vs. Finland picks from expert on 26-12 roll
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Kohn
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In a highly anticipated matchup at the 2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey semifinals, Canada and Finland are set to clash in a battle for a spot in the gold-medal game. With top-seeded Canada facing off against Finland on Friday, expert predictor Matthew Severance has shared his insights and best bets for this crucial match. Severance, who boasts an impressive 26-12 roll on NHL money-line picks this season, is backing the under 5.5 goals in this high-stakes game. Given the teams' history of closely contested matches and their defensive strengths, Severance sees potential for a low-scoring contest.
The game marks the continuation of a tournament where both Canada and Finland have demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience. Canada advanced to the semifinals with a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over Czechia, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, Finland has also proven its mettle, defeating Switzerland in a nail-biting quarterfinal match. Both teams enter this game with strong records and a deep roster of talent, making it a thrilling showdown for hockey fans.
Severance's prediction is rooted in the historical trends between Canada and Finland. Over their 27 previous meetings, the two teams have split wins evenly, with Finland edging out a slight advantage in total goals (74-70). However, Severance highlights the defensive focus of both sides in recent encounters, which he believes will lead to a tightly contested game with limited scoring opportunities.
For sports enthusiasts, this matchup is significant due to its high stakes and the opportunity for
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026