Finland - Norway

[Paarai]

13.05. 19:20 CET
The home Finns will face Norway, which can be a very unpleasant opponent. The Finns may be the big odds favourites (@ 1,11), but the Norwegians can beat any team in the world. Moreover, it should be added that Finland has not been in top form lately (losses to Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic and last time again to Sweden). I believe that the Norwegians could challenge the Finns at least at the beginning of the game, that's why I like to bet on a draw after 20 minutes of play.

My prediction: 1st Period - Draw @ 3.25 (bet365)

 

[HockeyTipster]

It's Finland! I wouldn't take the warm up tournaments into the account but we can expect another defensively perfect team display from Finland and that's where it all starts. Norway is a little unpredictable team to me so I agree this can take some time to one or other team.

Score after 10 minutes: 0-0 @ 2,20

 

[Giovanni]

How about a surprise on the first day?

Finland goes into the tournament as the world number one and reigning Olympic champion. Fans logically expect their team to win the gold that Canada took from them last year in Latvia, but history is against them. They have not won a medal at any of the previous seven World Championships they have hosted! The preparation is also a source of worry, the Suomi have lost their last four games - twice to Sweden, once to Switzerland and to the Czech Republic. The team's poor form was probably the result of a number of players leaving the KHL during the playoffs, and six players have not yet been signed for next season. But the Finns should be able to manage the Nordic derby, as they routinely beat Norway and usually by a higher margin - the results of the last three matches at big events are clear (5:2, 7:0, 5:1). However, the Norwegian team is experienced enough and managed to beat Denmark and Slovakia just before the championship, so they could trouble the home favourite.

My bet:
Asian Handicap: Norway +2.5 @ 2.45

 

[HockeyTipster]

Score after 10 minutes: 0-0 @ 2,20

got it right!