Olympic hockey betting odds: United States favored vs Czechs, Canada vs Latvia

With a perfect record through the Group Stage, the USA earned a bye into Wednesday’s quarterfinals round.

The United States are a -300 moneyline favorite over the Czech Republic, who are currently a +240 underdog, according to Olympic hockey betting lines tracked by OddsShark.com.

The Group Stage solidified the USA’s status as a serious medal contender. The Americans picked up blowout wins over Slovakia (6-1) and Slovenia (5-1) and were a part of the best game of the tournament so far in a 3-2 shootout win over host Russia.

The USA has jumped Russia on the futures board and is now the second favorite behind Canada to win Gold at 5/2. [ See also Team Canada Olympic hockey odds vs Latvia ]

The Czech Republic went just 1-2 during the group stage, winning 4-2 against Latvia but losing 4-2 against Sweden and being shutout 1-0 against Switzerland. But with a 5-3 win over Slovakia in the qualification round, the Czech team was able to advance into the quarterfinals for this shot against the United States.

With 17 NHL players and plenty of talent on offense, the Czech Republic won’t be a pushover for Team USA.

As was expected coming into these Olympic games, defense and goaltending has been a strength for the Americans. Jonathan Quick has played well both when he was hardly tested against Slovakia and heavily tested against Russia, and Ryan Miller held Slovenia to just one goal in his start.

Quick is expected to get the nod against the Czech Republic and appears to be Head Coach Dan Bylsma’s choice for the medal run.

The total for Wednesday’s game is set at 5.5 goals. Two of the USA’s three games have gone OVER the total as have three of the Czech Republic’s four games so far.

Later Wednesday, gold medal favorite Canada faces a scrappy Latvian team that upset Switzerland.