Sweden and USA are tied for 1st place in Group A, and the situation at the World Cup right now is that the team that finishes 2nd in the group could go to Canada in the play-offs, while the leader will go to Latvia or Slovakia. So this meeting is extremely important, nobody wants to get to Canada in 1/4.
If Sweden wins Denmark in regulation time today (which is likely to happen), then in the match with the USA the chances of 1st place will be equal, as the USA has 18 points, and Sweden 17 points. They are fairly evenly matched however, with almost 90% of the US roster coming from the NHL, both young and experienced, and Sweden with only half of its players in the NHL, the rest in the European championships.
But for some reason bookmakers think the Swedes are the favorites tonight, even though the US is in a good position to beat them. There is a chance that the regular time will end in a draw, so it is better to take a bet on a win taking into account the overtime.
Prediction: USA to win. We recommend the “Match Winner 2” bet, odds 2.26
