The'2023 IIHF World Championship'begins on Friday, May 12, featuring a Group B matchup between Latvia and Canada.
- Latvia vs Canada Game Info
- Latvia vs Canada Odds & Spread
- Latvia vs Canada Betting Trends
- Latvia vs Canada Prediction & Pick
- Latvia vs Canada Best Bet
Latvia vs Canada Game Info
- Date:'Friday, May 12, 2023
- Time:'1:20 p.m. ET
- Venue:'Arena Riga — Riga, Latvia
Canada aims to begin the tournament in a big way after falling 4-3 in overtime to Finland in last year's gold medal game. Meanwhile, Latvia – one of this year's host countries – hopes to take one step closer to winning its first-ever medal at the annual event.
Latvia vs Canada Odds & Spread
- Moneyline:'LAT: (+470) | CAN: (-700)
- Spread:'LAT: +3.5 (-300) | CAN: -3.5 (+220)
- Total:'5.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Canada enters this co ntest as the favorite on the moneyline and spread per FanDuel Sportsbook's odds. This group stage clash also features an over/under of 5.5 goals with both sides being available at -110 odds.
Latvia vs Canada Betting Trends
- Latvia is 0-0-0 in the 2023 IIHF World Championship group stage.
- Canada is 0-0-0 in the 2023 IIHF World Championship group stage.
- Latvia was eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 IIHF World Championship.
- Canada lost the gold medal game at the 2022 IIHF World Championship.
- Canada is 6-4 straight up in its last 10 head-to-head matchups against Latvia.
Latvia vs Canada Prediction & Pick
Although Latvia has the home crowd's support, it won't be enough to overcome Canada. The Canadian forward group is huge, all standing at least six feet tall and highlighted by names like Tyler Toffoli, Sammy Blais, Cody Glass, and Jack Quinn. Their defense also has familiar names that NHL fans will know, like Tyler Myers and Ethan Bear.
However, Canada's biggest advantage is between the pipes with goaltender Devon Levi. The 21-year-old netminder won the Mike Richter Award for the NCAA's top goaltender in both 2022 and 2023, and even backstopped Canada to a silver medal at the 2021 IIHF Wo rld Juniors.
Latvia simply doesn't have enough high-end talent to compete against Canada. Besides, the Canadians are fueled with the desire for revenge following a 2-0 loss to the Latvians at the 2021 tournament.
Final Score Prediction:'Canada: 5 | Latvia: 1
Latvia vs Canada Best Bet
With the second-best odds to win the IIHF World Championship and the more talented roster in this matchup, I can see Canada covering the 3.5-goal spread. While it won't be easy, the Canadians have more than enough NHL talent and offensive upset to outgun any team in this tournament.
On top of that, Latvia only averaged exactly two goals per game in last year's tournament, whereas Canada averaged 4.7. The Latvians will likely have a tough time keeping the puck out of their net, so look for Canada to cover the spread as the eventual victor.