World Cup Hockey Best-of-3 Final Predictions (Europe vs. Canada)
World Cup Hockey Best-of-3 Final (Team Europe vs. Team Canada) Will Take Place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (if necessary)
World Cup Hockey is drawing to a close as the final two teams face-off in a best-of-three series. Game one is scheduled to take place tonight (Tuesday) at 8pm (est). The pair meet up again on Thursday (Sept.29) for the second contest. A third and final game is scheduled for Saturday (Oct.2), if necessary.
On one side, we have a Canadian squad that was expected to win it all from the beginning. At the other end, an improbable foe that came into the tournament with 33/1 odds of winning. Team Europe surprised the hockey world knocking off the Americans and Czech Republic to earn a spot in the semifinal.
The Canadians steamrolled the Russians in a decisive 5-3 victory back on Saturday night. Europe and Sweden met up on Sunday afternoon with this one going the distance. Eventually, Tomas Tatar scored the game winner in overtime, sending Team Europe to the final.
World Cup of Hockey Final:
Tuesday (Sept.27) – Europe vs. Canada 8pm (EST) ESPN in USA, CBC in Canada
Thursday (Sept.29) – Europe vs. Canada 8pm (EST) ESPN2 in USA, CBC in Canada
Saturday (Oct.2) – Europe vs. Canada 7pm (EST) ESPN in USA, CBC in Canada (if necessary)
World Cup Hockey: Best-of-3 Final Predictions
All 3 Games Needed
If there’s one lesson we’ve learned so far in World Cup Hockey, it’s to expect the unexpected. So, while conventional logic might dictate a clean sweep for Team Canada, we must consider the possibility these two teams meet up Saturday in a winner take all scenario.
Halak Steals a Game
Jaroslav Halak had a very busy offseason getting his body in peak physical shape after an injury-riddled 2015-16 campaign.
He’s been the best goaltender in the tournament so far and is a big reason why the Europeans were able to squeeze by Sweden.
The powerhouse Canadians might find a way to topple the brick wall at some point; just don’t be surprised if the Islanders netminder steals a game carrying the team on his shoulders.
Marchand/Crosby Continue Dominance
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The Duo of Brad Marchand and Sidney Crosby stepped up for Canada in their semifinal match-up. Between the pair, Marchand/Crosby have produced six goals (12 points) in four games (averaging three points/gp).
Canada is the only team that can have a single forward on any of their four lines step up in a single night to deliver a dominating performance, but they’ll need their deadly duo of Marchand and Crosby to continue filling the net if they hope to emerge victoriously.
Canadians Eventually Wear Down Opponent
When you have the type of depth the Canadians possess, it makes this juggernaut borderline unbeatable. Fortunately, international hockey is a sprint, not a marathon. With single game eliminations and no room for error, even the biggest giants can be knocked off their pedestal.
As soon as you start giving teams like this second chances in a multi-game series, though, that’s when it gets difficult to imagine the European squad pulling off a miracle upset. Canada’s depth should eventually begin to wear on Team Europe and it’s only a matter of time before the floodgates open.
Next: Fantasy Hockey Primer: Projections, 30-Team Analysis
Results Prediction:
Game 1:
Canada (2)
Europe (3)
G – Marchand, Tavares
G – Draisaitl, Hossa, Bellemare
Game 2:
Canada (5)
Europe (2)
G – Crosby (2), Couture, Stamkos, Burns
G – Tatar, Kopitar
Game 3:
Canada (4)
Europe (2)
G – Crosby, Marchand, Perry, Pietrangelo
G – Kopitar, Zuccarello