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Finland vs Czech Republic – Gambling Picks 2010 Olympic Hockey

Olympic tournament preview and free ice hockey prediction for the Quarter Final Ice Hockey game scheduled for Wednesday February 24th between Finland and the Czech Republic with the puck dropping at 7:00pm in Vancouver. In this game look for the Fins to win this game handily. I like them in a 5-2 game…

Olympic Men’s Hockey Quarter Finals Preview – Finland vs. Czech Republic

Hey folks, looking for the best place on the web to get your Finland vs. Czech Republic Olympic hockey picks, and betting analysis? You’ve found it. Dave B will weigh in with his daily hockey predictions thru to the end of the 2010 olympic hockey tournament.

The 2010 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey schedule started on Tuesday February 16th. Next up is Wednesday Quarter Final action for Feb 24th at 7:00pm Pacific time we get Czech Republic vs. Finland. We encourage you to check out Sportsbook.com and bet on the 2010 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey games and hockey lines online.

Tournament Quarter Final Round Matchups: (Winner Moves On – Loser Has ZERO chance at medal), USA vs. Switzerland, Canada vs. Russia, Finland vs. Czech Republic and Slovakia/Norway winner vs. Sweden.

Finland vs. Czech Republic Live Odds

Moneyline: OFF
Spread: Czech Republic PK (Even), Finland PK (-120)
Over/under: 5

Wow, this was almost a Finland – Latvia Quarterfinal matchup. The Czech Republic got lucky in their Qualification Round game to set up this matchup between the fourth and fifth seeds in the Olympic Men’s Hockey tournament. The Fins are likely unhappy about their opponents but the rest of the hockey world is probably elated that the better team is still alive.

Finland is the defending Olympic Silver Medalists and would like nothing more than to improve upon their efforts of four years ago. They are a veteran team that has a decent balance of experience and youth. The Fins have been scoring goals in the tournament thus far and are being led by the underappreciated Mikko Koivu. Niklas Hagman, Jarkko Ruutu and veterans Sakku Koivu and Teemu Selanne have also played well for Team Finland. All of these players have contributed to a power play that is nearly 50% in the tournament so far! If the Fins can keep their power play rolling, they will be tough to beat.

Another strength of the Fins is the play of goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff who decided to sit out the last Olympics in Torino in favor of resting up for the NHL stretch drive. He could be the difference in a game against a strong offensive team in the Czech Republic.

The Fins have enjoyed a sudden chemistry that has plagued many of the elite teams thus far in the Olympic tournament. They are playing as a team and have not really been challenged by any team in the tournament thus far. They are solid up front, on defense and in goal. Team Finland could open a few eyes in their Quarter-final matchup and provide a true challenge for their likely next round opponent, the United States.

The Czech Republic is lucky to be in the Medal Round of this year’s Olympic tournament. After a dominant first period against Latvia, the Czech seemed to disappear. This disappearance coincided with the departure of Jaromir Jagr at the beginning of the second period, after he blocked a shot. His availability for Wednesday’s game is in question and if that is the case, the Czech Republic could be in a lot of trouble. Online Hockey Betting at Sportsbook

The Czechs, on paper, have a good team, one that should legitimately challenge for a medal. Team chemistry, defensive lapses and an overall lack of enthusiasm seem to be all too common in the Czech game, and if they cannot find a way to gain some spirit, they will be playing for no better than fifth spot in the 2010 Olympic. Jagr’s presence is crucial, both for team spirit and for offensive firepower, but the combination of a jaw rattling hit by Alexander Ovechkin and a painful shot block could severely limit the heart and soul of the Czech Republic

The Fins are rolling right now and the Czechs, based on their Qualification Round game seem to be a mess. With or without Jaromir Jagr, it appears that Team Finland is the better team with more heart and more chemistry.

Finland vs. Czech Republic Free Gambling Pick
Unless Czech goaltender Tomas Vokoun stands on his head, the Fins should win this game handily. I like the Fins in a 5-2 game.

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