The United States have already punched their ticket to Thursday night’s championship game for the Four Nations tournament, but their opponent's fate has not yet been decided.
The outcome of this afternoon’s game between Canada and Finland could make tonight’s game between the USA and Sweden meaningless, but the Swedes still have something to play for. They don’t want to leave this tournament without a win.
Find out what my best prop bets are for USA vs. Sweden on Monday, February 17.
Sweden vs USA prop picks and best bets for February 17
Matthews anytime goalscorer (+190 at FanDuel)
Nylander anytime goalscorer (+250 at FanDuel)- Hughes 2+ points (+330 at FanDuel)
Sweden vs USA prop picks and best bets
Auston Matthews anytime goalscorer (+190 at FanDuel)
Auston Matthews hasn’t been able to find the back of the net through the first two games of this tournament and was criticized for his lack of offensive chances in the United States' most recent game against Team Canada.
Matthews is without a doubt the most pure natural scorer in this tournament but has only been able to generate two shots on goal through two games. Considering the fact tonight’s game might not have a lot of meaning to it since the standings may already be decided, the skill should be more on display for Team USA.
They were a very defensively minded team on Saturday night, but tonight, their offensive talent should be on display a little more. This implies that Matthews will carry the play for his line, which consists of Jack Hughes and Jake Guentzel.
William Nylander anytime goalscorer (+250 at FanDuel)
William Nylander has the same stat line as Matthews through two games: zero goals and one assist with two shots.
Nylander is the Swedes' biggest offensive weapon, and they do not want to leave this tournament without a win. However, Sweden has lost its two games, and it's clear Nylander needs to do more.
Despite the fact he’s on the team's second line, Nylander is still getting first power play minutes alongside Victor Hedman, Lucas Raymond, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Mika Zibanejad.
Jack Hughes 2+ points (+330 at FanDuel)
Jack Hughes hasn’t been able to produce a ton offensively through the first two games of this tournament, but he was very responsible on the defensive end on Saturday night. Similar to Matthews, the United States are expecting more out of him on the offensive side of the puck, and he should be able to carry the play alongside Matthews and Guentzel in tonight’s contest.
When the games aren’t as physical, Hughes is a guy who shines. Tonight’s game should be nowhere near as physical as Saturday’s night against Canada was, so I expect a ton of scoring chances from Hughes’ line.
Not intended for use in MA.
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