- What: 4 Nations Face-Off NHL Picks
- Who: USA vs Sweden
- When: Monday, February 17, 8:00 p.m.
As the USA plays host to Sweden in the final 4 Nations Face-Off round-robin game for both countries on Monday, the fates of each team are dramatically different.
With two regulation wins through the first two games, the USA has secured one spot in Thursday's final. Sweden, Finland and Canada each sit with two points. Any of the three countries could wind up being the one playing the Americans for all the marbles.
The USA is favored to put a dagger through Sweden's hopes. Playing in Boston at TD Garden, the Americans are -195 home-ice favorites over the Swedes.
Let's take a look at the latest betting line on this game. Remember, odds are always subject to change.
This is among two games on the final night of round-robin play at the 4 Nations Face-Off. It might not be the best bet of the night in the NHL picks, but it's still worth a look.
Best NHL Picks For You
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Swedes Will Know Their Fate
Sweden has lost both games in this tournament in overtime by identical 4-3 scores. Canada beat Sweden in the opener, with Finland doing the job in the second game.
The fact of the matter is that by the time the Swedes are taking the ice to face the Americans, they may already be done in the NHL picks. Canada and Finland are playing at 1 p.m. A regulation win by either country locks that nation into the final against the USA.
Sweden's only hope is that the Canada-Finland game requires overtime or a shootout to reach a decision. If that is the case, then the Swedes must beat the Americans in regulation to earn their way into the final.
Miller Facing Pettersson For First Time
One of the biggest soap operas in the NHL this season involved the Vancouver Canucks and forwards JT Miller and Elias Pettersson. Early in the season, Miller announced he was leaving the Canucks for personal reasons.
He later would return to the team. Ultimately, the reason for Miller's departure became known. He and Pettersson simply weren't able to co-exist in the Vancouver dressing room.
Elias Pettersson might get this JT Miller uppercut framed. #Canucks #4nations
— RGF (@rgfray1) February 16, 2025
The situation was ultimately resolved when the Canucks were trading Miller to the New York Rangers. He's playing for the USA in this tournament, while Pettersson is with the Swedish team.
This game will be their first meeting as opponents since the drama and the trade unfolded. The scenario offers an intriguing undertone to this big game.
Both players insist they've moved on from the conflict. We'll see how far when they first meet on opposite sides of the ice.
Swedish Goaltending Situation Unsettled
Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild got the start in goal for both of Sweden's games. However, he left the Finland game following the first period suffering from an illness. Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators took over and played the remainder of the game.
Swedish coach Sam Hallam says Gustavsson has recovered from what was ailing him. However, Hallam wouldn't name a starting goalie, saying it would be a game-time decision.
Sweden coach Sam Hallam on Elias Lindholm: “I think he’s playing his role great.”
No decision on whether it will be Linus Ullmark or Filip Gustavsson in net against the U.S. tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ZsNhjdaN4j
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin9) February 16, 2025
As for Sweden's performance so far in the 4 Nations Face-Off, even Hallam had to admit they've been a letdown. He acknowledged after the loss to Finland that it feels instinctively as if the tournament is over for the Swedes.
USA vs Sweden 4 Nations Face-Off NHL Picks
The only issue involving the Americans and this game will be just how much will the USA be motivated to perform in what is basically a meaningless contest for them? That could become even more of a factor in play if it's known beforehand that Sweden is already eliminated. It's known that the USA will be without forward Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers. He was injured in Saturday's 3-1 win over Canada. USA coach Mike Sullivan is also considering giving No. 1 goalie Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets the night off.
Still, it's hard to back the Swedes to suddenly find some form. They've been far and away the most disappointing country in this tournament, continuing a decade-long drought of underwhelming international performances. Take the USA over Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off NHL picks.
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