2022 Women’s Olympic Hockey Qualifying Round Schedule & Predictions

2022 Women's Olympic Hockey Qualifying Round Schedule & Predictions

The field is set for the Qualifying Round in Olympic Women’s Hockey. Unsurprisingly, the determination of the top seed in Group A came down to the final round-robin matchup between Canada and the United States, which Canada won 4-2. Meanwhile, Group B was taken by the Japanese squad, who secured nine points and did not register a regulation loss in four games played.

With the final field of eight set, let’s take a look at the predictions.

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2022 Women’s Olympic Hockey Qualifying Round Schedule & Predictions

Women’s Olympic Hockey: USA vs Czech Republic

When: Thursday, Feb. 10, 11:10 p.m. EST (USA Network)

Spread: +6.5 (+105), -6.5 (-125)

Total: Over 8 (+105), Under 8 (-125)

Preview: The Czech Republic has benefitted from superb goaltending in the round-robin play. Klara Peslarova and company only allowed four goals at even strength, with tightly-played wins over China and Sweden and an overtime loss to group leader Japan. Their modus operandi is to win tight, low-scoring games.

The problem is, they’re playing the United States, the best shot-generating team in the Olympics. The over/under for total goals has been set at 8, with the over at +105. The spread is currently 6.5 goals. While Czechia’s defense may limit the American offense to “only” six or so, it’s highly unlikely the Czech are able to put up much else on the States.

Prediction: USA to win & Under 8 (-125)

Women’s Olympic Hockey: Canada vs Sweden

When: Friday, Feb. 11, 8:10 a.m. EST (NBC)

Spread: +7.5 (+110), -7.5 (-130)

Total: Over 8.5 (+100), Under 8.5 (-120)

Preview: Canada is averaging 8.25 goals-for per game, meaning that an average game would put them right up against the over/under for the game, set at 8.5. With the over set at +100, it isn’t a terribly lucrative play, but it’s certainly worth considering given the likelihood of a blowout in this one. A -7.5 spread being set at -130 is also attractive, considering Sweden produced just seven goals in four games during the round robin.

Prediction: Canada to cover -7.5 (-130)

Women’s Olympic Hockey: ROC (-220) vs Switzerland (+170)

When: Friday, Feb. 11, 11:10 p.m. EST (NBC)

Spread: +1.5 (-160), -1.5 (+140)

Total: Over 5 (+100), Under 5 (-120)

Preview: The Russian Olympic Competitors bested Switzerland 5-2 in their round robin meeting. Though shots on goal were fairly even, it was Russia’s response after allowing goals that proved to be the difference. Twice Switzerland evened the score in the first two periods, and twice they surrendered the lead right back shortly. The first tie lasted just 13 seconds, the second 3:33 minutes.

The one thing that could prove to be an x-factor is Russia’s powerplay, which failed to generate a goal in 11 opportunities in the round robin. Swizterland, meanwhile, netted four powerplay tallies on 21 chances (19.0%) and even scored a shorthanded goal against Russia.

If there’s going to be an upset in the qualifier, this is the best bet. Russia is dealing with rampant COVID problems, and Switzerland has a +170 on their money line.

Prediction: Switzerland to win (+170)

Women’s Olympic Hockey: Finland (-800) vs Japan (+475)

When: Saturday, Feb. 12, 3:40 a.m. EST (NBC)

Spread: +2.5 (-125), -2.5 (+105)

Total: Over 4.5 (-125), Under 4.5 (+105)

Preview: Japan had a strong showing in Group B, winning twice in regulation and once in overtime plus an overtime loss. Their reward is facing off with Finland, who is coming off a 5-0 shutout win over Russia. Finland is a consistent competitor for the bronze medal, so a victory for Japan would be nothing short of massively historic. And there is at least a glimmer of hope, considering the Finns had the lowest save percentage of any team in the round robin at just .867 and the second-worst goals-against average at 4.78.

That notwithstanding, Finland simply has too much firepower and too much history to bet against them. Hence why the lines are so heavily slanted.

Prediction: Finland to cover -2.5 (+105)

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