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There is no team that has been putting up better performances than Jokerit this season. Not even CSKA, who suffered a 3-0 loss here. When it comes to team quality and performances, Jokerit can count on at least the final in the West. They have 7 easy wins in 8 games with 9 goals conceded. After the Far East tour, they had three days to rest and get ready for this game home. Dynamo are here after the derby against SKA. They displayed a lot of ups and downs this season and are no longer one of the elite teams. Dynamo are no longer mentioned when talks about the playoffs start. The defeats to Podolsk, Slovan, Admiral and the struggle against Medvscak show they are not longer the Gagarin cup level. On top of that, Moscow are hit by injuries since the season start. First choice goal keeper and half of the team are injured, just like Alexander Eremenko. That is why it's no wonder they conceded 11 goals more that the Finns in the same number of games. Jokerit are the best team in the league, Dynamo are the inferior opponent here. This match is not as great a derby as those against SKA; CSKA, OMSK. Jokerit have the mentality that knows no holding back, they are crushing everyone and they are superior here in every aspect. Details

I don't want it to seem like I always bet against Kazan only but the situation demands that I do not miss out on this bet. I said a lot about Kazan in the last two tips against them. They lost the key players from the previous seasons and do not have the king of power from before. The now lost tam captain Svitov (in the last game), which will be felt greatly. Kazan won what they had to win at the start of the season but the also displayed shortcomings against the more powerful teams, which is what I expect o happen here. Omsk are an elite KHL team, the favorites in the East. They are doing great early in the season, having recorded 4 wins. They are good both in defense and offense and are heavier favorites than the odds suggest here. Bars are still regarded as contenders and they are far from it both on paper and regarding the game. Omsk are better than Kazan this season and Svitov's absence is going to be a problem that will play an important role today. Details

Bern need to win this to pass the group, and the guests are already through, they're actually the first in the group. The Swiss announce a big fight today, and numerous fans will be there to support them. The Swedes, on the other hand, say they are coming to play hockey and relax, but that there will be changes in the lineup. Those changes include the center Anderson and the super-efficient Little who's currently the best forward of the team. There will probably be some other changes, like giving a chance to the younger goalie. This will be a good way to get ready for the championship that's beginning soon. Not so for the home team who just have to win, so it's clear that motivation is on their side. They played a tight match in Sweden two weeks ago, it went to overtime and there's no doubt that Bern can win this match against the weakened opponent who don't feel any pressure. Details

Avtomobilist are at the top of the conference after four rounds and four away games without a defeat in the regular time. And those weren't easy away games, they defeated Niznekamsk, Magnitogorsk and Ufa who are currently at level with or stronger than Kazan. The home team made certain changes, but that is still the playoff team that has improved, and of the acquisitions, we should mention Koukal from Jokerit, El who has had a great season in Finland, and very experienced Saprykhin also arrived. They have one of the best goalies in the league, Kovar, who has had a great start of the season and I don't see any reason for favoring Kazan in this situation. I have said a lot about the away team in the prediction on Lokomotiv, they lost the spine of the team, almost all key players and that is no longer the elite team from previous seasons, but a team that has to find their identity once again. The win against Lada shouldn't frighten you, because they are not playing good hockey at the moment, and they probably won't, and today's hosts gained a lot of confidence in the first four rounds. Not only do they have good results, but they are playing well, they are not allowing a lot of shots and opportunities, they adjust to different situation and they look great. This is, at least, a 50-50 game and it's more leaning to the host's side or tight fight than an easy win for the away team who are looking bad right now, and they are not better than Avt with current squad. Also, this is their first home game, so the support from the fans will be great, and so will their motivation to play good, which they have been doing anyway. Details

Medvescak payed three excellent games at the start of the season, and that's a fact. They should have even won the first match against Amur, but against Admiral and Sibir everything functioned great in both ways. The wish, sacrifice and team work was visible, everything they didn't have last season, and by names this is definitely a team who will fight for the playoffs. Today's away team certainly won't fight for the playoffs. They entered the season with expected three defeats because they are the youngest and the weakest team of the league. This will be their fourth away game in a row, and in the last two matches they conceded over ten goals, even six by Slovan two days ago where they complained of the time zone and fatigue. Matches against Admiral and Sibiar are worthy indicators what Medvescak can do this season, and that points us to the bet. It's the right time for the pick for Medvescak because in two days Riga will arrive and after that they're off to away matches, so the three points here are very important. This season they have the quality and the experience, but they have that additional point for discipline and sacrifice, so you can rely on the. Self-esteem and motivation are not questionable. The plus for it ll is that for Kuzn this is their fourth away match in a row, they changed the time zone and here in Zagreb they're up for conditions they're not used to, and that's humidity, somewhat worse ice because of the hot conditions and a slight fog the hosts are used to. When you add it all up, the 2.25 look very nice, and a regular unit is definitely the material for combos today. Details

Neman are judged by their name here, and Vitkovice just can't be a favorite in an away match. Neman beat the German champion 2-0 here, and then kept them on thin ice in the away match with a fantastic defense. Vitkovice aren't anything special, an average Czech team with no big stars, and I don't see why they would beat Neman here. I think Neman are less familiar than Vitkovice, and it's a good idea to take advantage of that because they're a strong team lead by the Czech coach. They've got a lot of players who played KHL, like Kaznadey who played an entire season in Dynamo Minsk, they've got two great goalies and a very experienced offense. Neman are playing great defense, they create pressure and prevent breakaways in a great way, so I don't think Vitkovice are a favorite. Neman are a team that would definitely be in the Czech playoffs, and they're underestimated here, against a team weaker than Manheim who lost here without scoring a single goal, even though Neman let them take the initiative. I think Neman are a favorite here, so the odds have great value. Details

This summer, Kazan lost key players who have been central figures on the team for a few seasons and they are no longer the same team. Losing one of the top spots in the East to someone else could be their reality. Top defensemen Nikulin and Medvedv went for NHL, goal keeper Nilsson (94%) as well. The talented forwards Burmitsov, Kostitsyn and Petrov are all gone, meaning Bars are in for a tough struggle this season, at least at its start. Lokomotiv underwent some changes as well but they acquired two great players from Siberia (Hersley, Enlund) and the super experienced Mosaylov from Dynamo Moscow. Lokomotiv have not lost power like their opponetns as their opening games proved. They first recorded a point against Torpedo despite being the better team and went on to beat Lada. Kazan, on the other hand, lost in Riga, which only goes to confirm the things I said first. They beat Soci narrowly in the second round but Soci are not even close to Lokomotiv in quality. The home team have the upper hand here and this is not a 50-50 game as it's been suggested. Kazan are not even close to where they were last season while Lokomtiv did great in the first two games. Lokomotiv beat Bars in two out of three test games, which makes for a great argument for this bet, alongside their great performances in the two opening games. Details

Sonderjyske are a level below Salzburg and the Austrians couldn't have wished for a better opponent in the group because they could have fared much worse, but I believe that they would pass the group even if they had tougher opponents. Danish league is weak, to be honest, weaker than EBEL which was like a 'walk' for Salzburg, as was the strong group (JYP, HV71, Kloten) in this competition last season, but they were eliminated in the next round after a tight clash against the team that became champions later. Salzburg's team stayed pretty much the same, only one line of defenders was changed, so they didn't have to work on the cohesion of this good team, and they confirmed their great pre-season form with two great wins. The home team has made more changes, but that's not relevant since the emphasis here is on the quality difference which is quite big. There are only three teams in Champions League groups this season, and Salzburg don't want to make a mistake right at the start, but they have the winning mentality, and they are not known for making any kind of calculations. Even though Sonderjyske are champions of their national league, their possibilities in this competition are modest and limited, they are weaker than Salzburg in all parts of the game. They have only three international players on their team, while Salzburg are led by great North-Americans and a lot of other experienced players. Red Bull definitely have the quality to leave their mark on this competition, and even though they are coming from EBEL, they are a whole other world for Sonderjyske, who will, in my opinion, start playing more openly when the away team takes the lead, and the Austrian's offense is known for their efficiency. I can't say that the home team is better at anything, and everything other than several pucks in their net would be a big surprise here, and much better Salzburg deserve a bigger role of the favorite than they already have. Details

I'll close the championship by betting on the Czech winning the bronze, because they've got a few advantages on their side. The Czech played a great quarterfinal against Sweden, and also yesterday against Canada where their regular goal wasn't accepted, and that only motivated them more for today. Their players said things like, we don't care about crying, Canada were better, we have to get the bronze for ourselves and our fans. On the other hand, the young Americans say they came to get gold, but that they'll play this match as well. That mindset is the first advantage the Czech have. They're the hosts of the tournament, and they'll have 17,000 eager fans on their side. The Americans fell apart against the Russians yesterday, their body talk was really negative, and today, they'll face a similar team who have great names in their roster, like Jagro, Voraček and Plekanec, and the great goalie Pavelec. The USA have all young players, a few college students and a goalie with no much experience in playing big matches. That means a big advantage for the Czech. These two teams faced each other in the quarterfinal last year with similar lineups, and the Czech celebrated, so we can definitely expect them to win this. USA's team aren't that experienced, the Czech have more quality and experience, and also the feeling of spite for yesterday's referee's mistake. They feel really motivated to get the bronze, unlike the Americans, and they've got a full arena that will cheer Jagra and his company to get the medal they really do deserve to get. They're much bigger favorites for it than the odds would suggest. Details

There are a few reasons why I believe in this Russian team a lot as they take on the youth of the US. The Americans were a bit lucky here, having met Switzerland in quarterfinals but if they played anyone else, they would not have been here. The US beat Russia in group stage in which the Russians underrated them and played badly. But that can only be good for this tip because the Russian are talking about getting back at the States only and about using what ever energy they have to win. The US come here with very young boys who do not play key roles at the clubs yet and with the AHL goalie who doesn't have experience at this level. The experience is the Russian upper hand. They have a lot starts on the team that have now been joined by NHL's top scorer Ovechkin, who is still hot after the playoffs in the top league. He's in great form, the Russians are better in each position, have a much better and more experienced goalie. Znarok is too experienced and too good a coach to allow any new slips against this US and I believe the Russians will won easily by at least two goals. Details

Russia passing through seems like a good option considering everything. It's hard to have an attitude about a team based only on their results in the groups because there are teams that are nowhere near as good as these two. You could say these two spent maybe half their energy to get to the quarterfinal. Nobody was perfect, but this is where the real tournament begins. The Russians stayed in Ostrava, the Swedes switched Ostrava for Prague and only did two practices on this ice, which is definitely a handicap. On the other hand, the Russians are stronger and more experienced in general. Many hockey lovers, me first of all, would be thrilled if the Swedes played with the best they've got here, but that's not the case, and this team are nowhere near to what the Swedes could skate out with. The Sedin brothers aren't here, Karlsson as one of the best backs, Lundqvist as the best goalie, so this team depend on the defenseman Ekman-Larsson too much. The Russians are the current world champions, and are playing here with a lineup similar to the one last year. Sure, Ovechkin isn't here, but there's Tarasenko, and he's had a great season with 70+ points in the NHL, there's Malkin who's also had a great season at 70 points, the great goalie Bobrovsky, the whole series of players from the SKA, lead by the great Kovalchuk, and the strength the Russians have is just bigger than what the Swedes have, and it's more than enough for the Russians to pass through with. These teams faced each other in the semifinal last year, and Russia celebrated. They're lead by Oleg Znarok, one of the best hockey coaches in the world, and after two friendly matches against Sweden before the tournament, with the class and experience his team have, I don't think he can be stopped here. Details

This is a farewell game for Noway. They've reached a good result by securing a stay in this division and they're calm and carefree ahead of the last game, which means their motivation is not even close to Belarus'. Belarus confirm QFs with this game to later on not dread about how Slovakia finishes theirs. In case Belarus lose this and Slovakia win, the Slovaks can get ahead. When it comes to motivation, all is clear and they probably couldn't have hoped for a better opponent. Belarus are better than Norway, there's no doubt about it. They beat the US here, played a close game with Finland and got here deservedly. The only slip was a convincing defeat to Russia when they fell apart but the next game (Finland) was a display of mental strength. The difference between rosters is big as well. Belarus are much more experience and a better-quality team that has almost all KHL players and great atmosphere o the team lead by a great coach. Belarus have created this chance of reaching QFs in a tough group and I don't think they'll allow a slip today after so much hard work. This is not a bet one should miss out on. Details

Slovaks were relieved when they beat the Slovenians yesterday, and I think they will play even better in the rest of the tournament. After the hard earned wins against Denmark and Belarus, yesterday the similar thing happened against Slovenia, but everything opened up in the third third, and with three goals they broke the mental barrier and I think that will be a big dose of self-confidence and moral for Slovakia. We should point out that Slovakia have so far been dominant in all three matches against uncomfortable teams, and I expect Norway to be the weakest in the group so I don't expect problems for the strong Slovakia. Slovakia is here with NHL stars such as Gaborik, Dan, Jurc, Tatar and I don't doubt Norway will be under siege most of the time. Norway, as was expected, showed little. They have a modest roster with only two KHL players and a lot of players from the home league who can't stand up to Slovakia's experience. Norway are at the bottom of the table with 3-13 goal difference and they will try to stay in the league against weaker teams, but this is not such a match. Slovakia are in a fight for the quarter-finals and it will be hard to earn it among the tough competition, their chances are good, but they have no right to make a mistake; they're aware of that. Slovakia's offense, statistically, is killer now with nine goals in all three matches, and they are also one of the teams who create the most chances and with their talent I think they will at least repeat yesterday's score because Norway didn't look convincing nor do they have the quality to stand up to confident and motivated Slovakia. If they win today they can take a big step towards the quarter-finals. The difference between these teams is obvious and now is the best moment to bet on Slovakia with odds which are bigger than expected. Details

The difference between these two teams is obvious and I responsibly claim that Belarus will prove that. They have matured as a team in the last two years. On last year's World Championship the played in the quarter-finals, while in that same championship Denmark barely stayed in the fight for which they're fighting here as well. Both teams took one point away from Slovakia, but Belarus showed against Slovenia why are they the candidates to pass the group, while Denmark fell without shots fired against Finland. The differences in draws is huge, Denmark, except for the thee players in Sweden, don't have players in top European leagues, while in Belarus only three players don't play in the KHL which is a huge advantage in experience, but also quality because Belarus have stars like brother Kostitsyn in their ranks, but also a big amount of players from Dynamo Minsk who know their game and who brought certain chemistry into the national team. The only thing which is going against this pick are the two friendly head-to-heads in April where Denmark won, but I don't have a high opinion about friendly matches. Neither were Belarus complete, and I also think Dave Lewis is way too experienced to allow himself to be surprised by Denmark at this level. Realistically, Belarus are stronger in all positions, both in the offense and defense, and I would like to point our their goalie Laland behind whom is an impressive season with 93% in CSKA. Belarus have to go for a win because they still have to clash against USA and Russia so there's no room for calculations. So far they've shown a disciplined game, a solid offense, so I'm convinced they will defeat Denmark because they're a stronger team, and the nice odds only put the icing on this pick. Details

If someone reached expectations offense-wise at this Championship, it's the Czech Republic and Canada. The hosts first scored 5 goals against Sweden, then 4 against Latvia but on the other hand, did horribly in defense to concede 7 goals in regulation time in two games. I expected a lot from Canada and one of the top players in the world Crosby, but 10 goals against Germany is really great, with the 6 they scored against Latvia also deserves respect. Canada have a good team here, they have the best players in the tournaments, all of which are NHL stars who have had brilliant seasons. The Czechs have NHL stars as well - goalie Voracek, Jagr, Sobotka, Klepiš, Erat and Cervenka as good forwards. Both teams had productive first games, they are offense-oriented, which why I expect another one now that these two great hockey nations go against each other. 7 goals were scored in the last WC and I expect a similar game today, with the players on both rosters only making me more confident about it. The stakes are not high for either team yet and both will want to their best here. I expect an exciting game rather than something boring. Boredom is not a realistic outcome when such hockey masters meet. Details

I don't see any reason for these odds except for the two preparation games in which Germany defeated France, who were not still complete back then. France made it into WC quarterfinals and have proven themselves to be great team. I don't see why that shouldn't happen today because their team is just as good, lead by Da Costa, who is KHL's Top 5 forward and Roussel, who ha a good NHL season. The Germans have Reider from NHL but he's the only international in the team, even though the French shouldn't fear him either. Germany's team is not nearly as good as last season because they basically rely only on players from DEL and the odds should at least reversed. France are the better team and have better result from WC, better roster and international experience. I think putting Germany in the role of favorite is not realistic at all against a team that play QFs last season and the team I and all the experts don't think will be knocked out. Details

There's really no justification for these odds at the Polish team except for the fact they host this tournament. They have players from the home league and cannot be such heavy favorites against Japan, even though I think this is a 50-50 game, only because the Poles are hosting it. Poland lost to Great Britain twice in the preparation games. GB played a lower division and I really don't have much respect for that team. Japan are compact, faster, hard-working and even though Japan might sound exotic if you don't follow hockey normally, you couldn't be more wrong. They played a close game with Hungary the other day while Poland displayed less against Italy, who controlled the match and 10 shots more. Poland just got back into this division in which Japan are a household name and have far more experience. That is why the odds are not reasonable. Poland will need to play Ukraine to avoid a knock-out. Japan are more likely to win or play a close game than Poland being dominant. Details

The Kings beat Edmonton 8-2 at home five days ago, and 5-2 a month ago. So, the last two duels between these two teams are quite fresh, and both were one way road. I expect the same today. The Kings got a point from the Canucks yesterday, and missed the chance to skip Calgary on the league table. They're evened out again, but the Flames are ahead because of more wins in the regular time, so the Kings do care what kind of a win they get today. It could be crucial in deciding the third place of the division. Edmonton had a flash of a few wins, but then started playing badly again. They're in a three-defeats run, and also have injury problems. Their best player, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, got injured. He's the second player of the team and their first with scored goals. The standard defensemen Fayne, Nikitin, and Ference have been out for a while. Edmonton are long written-off when it comes to the playoff, they're at the bottom of the conference, next to Arizona, and they're also one of the weakest teams of the league. They can't be compared to the much better and much more experienced Kings. This match is a to be or not to be for the Kings, the season is coming to a finish, they're not in the playoff zone, and this is a chance they can't afford to miss. Edmonton have nothing in their favor today, the Kings are much more motivated. They beat Edmonton in nine out of the last ten duels, eight of those within this handicap, and with nice big odds like these, I definitely wouldn't miss out on this bet. Details

These two teams played four duels this season, and those ended 5-3, 3-0, 5-2, and 4-1 for Calgary. The team from Phoenix really seem to suit the Flames. Clagary can't leave anything to chance now, they're fighting for the playoff of the West. A single win in a regular time could easily decide between them and the Kings. Calgary are in a good form, they've got three clear wins in this handicap in the last four matches, and I feel safe relying on them here. Arizona have been written off a long time ago, they gave up on this season even during the trade deadline period, and they sold their two best players. They're the last in the West now, and I'm not sure they want to get out of that now at the very end, considering this year's draft quality. Arizona got only two wins in the last 11 away duels this season, one against an even worst Buffalo. With Bodker and Hanzal who've been out for some time, now the forward Korpikoski got injured, too, which brings even more damage to already the weakest offense of the league. Calgary can't afford to make a mistake because the Kings have a similar opponent. Their last games convinced me of their quality even more, and Arizona really don't have anything going for them that would make me give up on this bet. Details

If you should trust someone in a situation like this one, it's the Kings, the NHL champions in two out of the last three seasons. They often create situations like these, where they have to solve thing sin the last matches, but they know how to deal with them. The situation is far from being solved in the West, but it's clear for the Kings. They depend on themselves and if they do a good job, they're in the playoffs. They're in an all right form, with four clear wins in the last six matches, they lost the tough away duels against the Wild and the Hawks. They exploded in the last round, scored eight goals against Edmonton, and I think this situation is ideal for us. They're really motivated and feeling very confident now. Colorado are out of the race for the playoff, and they're probably aware their journey is over. They're not a stable team, especially lately, and I think the Kings' advantage is enough for this pick, and the odds are a bit bigger than expected. Colorado also played a tough match in Anaheim yesterday, and regardless of their winning, they definitely won't be 100% fresh here. Colorado lost their chance for the playoff at a home defeat against Edmonton, and conceding five against a direct rival speaks for itself. What's really important for this pick is that the Kings don't really suit Colorado, in the last two duels in the last two months, the Kings beat the Avs twice by three, and in Denver, so I have no doubts they can do the same at home in a match this important, when they have motivation, class, and ratio on their side. Details