Canada vs Slovakia Prediction and Betting Tips – May 23, 2024

On Thursday, May 23, the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship playoffs, hosted in the Czech Republic, will kick off. Canada is set to clash with Slovakia in the first quarter-final match, slated to start at 16:20 Central European Time. 24hscore experts have crafted a forecast for this showdown.

Hockey live scores, Schedule, and Results.

Canada

Canada clinched the top spot in Group A, showcasing stellar hockey without a single loss. Across seven games, they secured five regulation-time victories and two wins in overtime. Notably, their match against Austria was a rollercoaster; despite leading 6-1, Austria rallied in the third period, forcing overtime. Following this game, Canada adopted a more composed approach, maintaining their dominance. Throughout the group stage, Canada netted 32 goals while conceding 18.

Slovakia

Slovakia brought a formidable lineup to the tournament, boasting nine NHL representatives. However, their group stage performance was erratic and lacked conviction. Despite being favored, they stumbled in their opener against Germany and suffered defeats to Latvia and Sweden. Their highlight was a hard-fought 5-4 overtime victory against the USA. While their group stage display was inconsistent, Slovakia’s progression to the playoffs was deserved. They conceded 23 goals and notched 26.

Interesting Facts and Head-to-Head History

• In their previous encounter, Canada edged out Slovakia in a shootout, securing a 2-1 victory.
• Slovakia has avoided regulation-time losses in six of their last eight matches.
• Canada has emerged victorious in regulation time in eight of their last eleven games.
• Canada has maintained an unbeaten streak in regulation time across their last seven matches.
• Canada has conceded two or fewer goals in seven of their last eleven matches.
• Slovakia has scored more than two goals in six of their last eight matches.
• Throughout the World Championship group stage, Canada has consistently scored a minimum of three goals per game.

Canada vs Slovakia Prediction

Canada enters this match as the clear favorite, showcasing a robust and versatile playing style. With a potent attack and solid execution, the Maple Leafs are poised to maintain their trend of scoring at least three goals per game. While Slovakia presents a challenge, Canada’s form and firepower give them the edge. My bet is on Canada to score over 3.5 goals, with odds of 1.81.