Big Time Betting Engagement Expected for U.S.-Canada Hockey Showdown

Posted on: February 14, 2025, 03:41h. 

Last updated on: February 15, 2025, 06:14h.

Mark Keast Read More

Expertise: Canadian Gaming, iGaming, Las Vegas, Sports Betting, NFL, Boxing, UFC.

• U.S national anthem booed
• Sportsbooks expect big boost in betting
• ESPN rating for U.S.-Finland scores viewership number 276% higher than prime time NHL game average

It’s been a long time since Canadians have been this angry at the United States.

That’s true if social media is any indication, anyway. That and the trend we’re seeing north of the 49^th parallel that has sports fans booing the American national anthem at live events. We saw it again last night as Team USA took on 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 said this today: “I still think in those moments with the anthem, there should not be any of that. We’re here to play a hockey game. They can boo all they want during the games. The anthems should be off-limits. Those should be a moment to show respect for the veterans and the millions and millions of people that sacrificed their lives so we could have freedom and the luxury to play a hockey game.”

U.S. President Trump’s tariff campaign against Canada, along with comments about Canada becoming the 51^st US. State, referring to PM Trudeau as “Governor” Trudeau, has struck a nerve up here. Not with every Canadian – but a fair number.

Ipsos did a poll – 80% said they would never vote for Canada to become part of the U.S., 78% said Trump’s comments have strengthened pride in their country (30% did say however that if the U.S. offered Canadians full citizenship and full conversion of the Canadian dollar and all personal financial assets into U.S. dollars they would vote to become part of the U.S.).

1 Million TNT Viewers

A Canadian Press story today gets into how Canadians have found a renewed sense of pride in the flag.

Tomorrow night, Team Canada takes on Team USA in Montreal in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the second game for both teams. Drop of the puck is 8 p.m. EST. 

If there’s one that can be said for certain, after two nights of games so far – this best-on-best hockey tournament featuring the best players from four countries has been a huge success, especially when compared to zero-energy, high-scoring pond hockey-like exhibitions that the NHL marketed as its all-star game in years past. 

TNT said the Canada-Sweden opener averaged 1 million viewers on its platforms – the most watched TNT hockey telecast this season. Last night’s U.S.-Finland game scored an average of 1.5 million viewers in the U.S. on ESPN – 276% higher than ESPN’s prime time game average this season.

U.S. Versus Canada Tomorrow Night

Toss a piping hot political climate into a hockey tournament? Tomorrow night in Montreal is going 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 brothers (Brady is the other one) are early odds-on favourite as scene stealers for the tournament. Last night they put on a show – two goals each against the Finns (five points between them). Matthew says he has waited nine years to play Canada.

Sportsbooks Taking Notice

TV ratings should be huge for tomorrow, in both countries. So should sports betting interest. Will anti-U.S. sentiment spur sports betting interest as well as TV 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.”

Said DraftKings’ Director of Race & Sportsbook Operations and Las Vegas Strip bookmaker Johnny Avello to Casino.org: “I think the move to the 4 Nations Face-Off for the NHL made a lot of sense, and that we will continue to see solid handle here among hockey fans. The All-Star Game was getting a bit stale, and this format gives players more incentive as they’ll want to represent their country. The professional leagues continue to get creative, and we’re all for new ideas that drive additional engagement.”

A trader at BetVictor Canada said they are expecting a “big spike in bets” as tomorrow night’s game closes in.

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 as True a Pick ‘Em as You’ll Find

Gray says tomorrow’s game is about as evenly matched, with Canada with home ice and edge on offence, the Americans having the edge in goal.

“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.”