2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey odds, predictions: Canada vs. Finland picks from expert on 26-12 roll
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Kohn
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The highly anticipated 2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey semifinal will see top-seeded Canada face Finland in a clash for a spot in the gold medal game. Both teams have demonstrated strong performances so far, with Canada securing a thrilling 4-3 overtime win over Czechia and Finland defeating Switzerland 3-2 in their quarterfinals. According to betting odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, Canada is heavily favored at -430, while Finland sits at +330. The game features a puck drop at 10:40 a.m. ET on Friday, December 26th, in Palazzetto dello Sport in Milan.
Hockey expert Matthew Severance, known for his impressive NHL predictions this season, has provided his insights into the matchup. Severance is leaning toward the "Under 5.5 goals" line (-115) for the game, citing historical trends between these two teams. In their 27 previous meetings, Canada and Finland have split wins evenly (13-13), with Finland slightly edging out in total goals scored (74-70). The two teams have also alternated wins in their last six encounters.
Finland enters the game on a high note after defeating Slovakia 4-1 and dominating Italy 11-0 in group stage play before their hard-fought victory over Switzerland. Canada, meanwhile, has showcased consistent dominance in Group A, including convincing victories over Czechia (5-0), Switzerland (5-1), and France (10-2) en route to the semifinals. Their quarterfinal win over Czechia in overtime further demonstrated their resilience.
Severance's confidence in the under 5.5 goals line stems from the defensive strengths of both teams, particularly Canada’s ability to limit opponents’ scoring chances. Finland, too, has shown a solid defensive effort, especially against stronger opponents like Sweden and Switzerland. With both teams prioritizing structure and discipline, Severance predicts a tightly contested game with limited high-scoring opportunities.
This matchup is not just about Olympic pride but also about securing a place in the gold medal game. For Canada, it’s an opportunity to assert their dominance on the global stage once again, while Finland aims to continue its remarkable run under head coach Pete卫冕冠军。 The outcome of this clash will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the tournament and set the stage for
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026