Online sports betting has Canada favored to win the gold medal in Olympic hockey with Russia the second choice. Anything less than the gold will not be acceptable in Canada since they are hosting the Olympics. That is a lot of pressure for the Canadian team and they may be overvalued in offshore sports betting.
Online sports betting had Sweden and the United States as darkhorses behind Canada and Russia for hockey gold. The pressure though is on Canada. “I think the talent level is fantastic,” Team Canada coach Mike Babcock said. “I think it probably could be the best hockey event of all time if we all live up to what we’re capable. It should be a lot of fun.” The Americans started with a victory against Switzerland so they could be a team to watch with the pressure on Canada.
Another part of the online sports betting equation with Canada and Russia will be the rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. If Russia can steal away the gold it would be huge for Ovechkin and Russia in online sports betting. Pressure has a funny way of causing teams problems and it could happen to Canada in offshore sports betting since they are the host country. “People love hockey in this country,” said Canadian captain Scott Niedermayer. “It’s as simple as that. We love to play hockey, we love to watch it and cheer our team on and I am happy to be a part of it. We obviously want to do well. This is why it’s fun. It’s important and it matters in this country and we like to be in this spot.”
Roberto Luongo got the start in goal for the online sports betting opener against Norway but Martin Brodeur could still end up being the top goalie. Luongo has won eight of his last 12 starts for Vancouver as online sports betting stats had it and he is playing at home in the Olympics. Brodeur has lost three of his last four starts for the New Jersey Devils as offshore sports betting stats showed.
Canada is so talented that the lines they are sending out there are star-studded in offshore sports betting. They are looking at one line with Patrick Marleau-Joe Thornton-Dany Heatley, another line with Rick Nash-Sidney Crosby-Patrice Bergeron, a line with Eric Staal-Ryan Getzlaf-Corey Perry and another one with Brenden Morrow-Mike Richards-Jarome Iginla. It is really a who’s who of NHL talent on this Canadian team that is favored to win in online sports betting.