Big Time Betting Engagement Expected for U.S.-Canada Hockey Showdown
Canadians haven't felt this level of anger towards the United States in a long time.
That holds true if social media serves as an indication, at least. That along with the trend observed north of the 49th parallel has sports enthusiasts jeering the American national anthem during live occasions. We witnessed it once more last night when Team USA faced Team Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
U.S. Anthem Booed
“I didn’t like it. That’s all I got,” was what Team USA’s Matthew Tkachuk told reporters post-game, after his team punched out the Finns 6-1. Canada beat Sweden on an overtime goal by Mitch Marner in a memorable tournament opener Wednesday night.
Team Canada's Brad Marchand stated today: "I still believe that in those moments with the anthem, there shouldn't be any of that." We're present to engage in a hockey match. They can jeer as much as they like during the matches. The anthems must not be accessed. It should be a time to honor the veterans and the countless individuals who gave their lives for our freedom and the privilege to enjoy a hockey game.
The tariff efforts by U.S. President Trump directed at Canada, together with remarks regarding Canada potentially becoming the 51st state of the U.S. State, calling PM Trudeau “Governor” Trudeau, has touched a nerve up here. Not all Canadians – but quite a few.
Ipsos conducted a survey – 80% indicated they would never support Canada joining the U.S., while 78% stated that Trump’s remarks have boosted their national pride (30% did mention, though, that if the U.S. proposed granting Canadians full citizenship and completely converting the Canadian dollar along with all personal financial assets to U.S. dollars, they would choose to back joining the U.S.).
1 Million TNT Audiences
A Canadian Press article today explores how Canadians have rediscovered a renewed pride in their flag.
Tomorrow evening, Team Canada faces Team USA in Montreal during the 4 Nations Face-Off, marking the second match for each team. The puck will drop at 8 p.m. Estimated.
If there’s one thing that can be stated with certainty after two nights of games so far, it’s that this best-on-best hockey tournament showcasing top players from four nations has been a tremendous success, particularly when contrasted with the lackluster, high-scoring pond hockey-style exhibitions the NHL promoted as its all-star game in previous years.
TNT reported that the Canada-Sweden opener drew an average of 1 million viewers on its platforms, marking the highest viewership for a TNT hockey broadcast this season. The U.S.-Finland game last night drew an average of 1.5 million viewers on ESPN in the U.S., marking a 276% increase compared to ESPN’s prime time game average for this season.
U.S. Against Canada Tomorrow Evening
Mix a boiling political atmosphere with a hockey competition? Tomorrow night in Montreal is set to be intense.
“Oh, absolutely. U.S.-Canada will be huge,” said Phillip Gray, an iGaming consultant and a former of Head of Trader Operations. “I expect a hearty booing for Stars and Stripes in Montreal Saturday night, which we Canadians never do.”
The Tkachuk siblings (Brady is the other) are early favorites to be the standout performers of the tournament. Last night they had a performance – two goals apiece against the Finns (five points altogether). Matthew claims he has waited nine years to compete in Canada.
Sportsbooks Paying Attention
Television ratings are expected to be high for tomorrow in both nations. Thus, sports betting should capture attention. Will anti-American sentiment boost interest in sports betting and television ratings?
“It’s looking good so far for the 4 Nations,” said a PointsBet Canada trader. “Canada and USA should perform very well. More general sports fans will be aware of that contest and will tune in. There won’t be any NBA game to compete with, so that will drive additional interest too.”
DraftKings’ Director of Race & Sportsbook Operations and Las Vegas Strip bookmaker Johnny Avello mentioned to Casino.org: “I believe the transition to the 4 Nations Face-Off for the NHL was logical, and we will keep observing strong engagement from hockey enthusiasts.” The All-Star Game had grown somewhat monotonous, and this new format offers players greater motivation since they’ll aim to represent their nation. The professional leagues keep innovating, and we fully support fresh concepts that enhance engagement.
A BetVictor Canada trader mentioned they anticipate a "significant surge in wagers" as the game approaches tomorrow night.
"There is strong interest in 4 Nations,” said John Ewing from BetMGM. “Last night’s USA game had more bets than any other event last night (NBA or college basketball).”
Trader: Canada-USA is Truly a Pick ‘Em Like No Other
Gray remarks that the upcoming game is quite balanced, with Canada having home ice advantage and a stronger offense, while the Americans possess an advantage in goalkeeping.
“The US players relish the villain and spoiler role. They’ve been there many times, won’t phase them a bit. USA straight up at -105 or better if you can get it. With the puckline, generally I’d stay away from these as the vig is just too high and weighted heavily to the book. USA +1.5 -270 is something to think about. Implied probability very high that this is a one goal game. Canada would need four goals on Connor Hellebuyck (huge task!) and Jordan Binnington to hold the Americans to two or less. He was fantastic in OT versus Sweden, but let in two in regular time I’m sure he’d like back.”
"Anytime Goalscorer: Brad Marchand +500, he just always seems to come up big in international games. Auston Matthews at +200, he’ll have some room in the Canadian zone and rang a few off the pipes versus Finland. I also like Regular Time Draw +300. Another market I’d usually stay away from but this game has OT all over it.”
DraftKings has the moneyline at Canada -110, USA -110, and the puckline Canada -1.5 (+230) and USA +1.5 (-285). O/U is 6.5.
