Slovakia pulled off a major upset over Sweden in the quarterfinals for the right to face Canada in the semi’s.  Canada on the other hand quieted all of their critics by putting on a clinic defeating the powerful Russians 7-3 in a game that was never in doubt.

Now the Slovaks, who are often left out when experts talk about the top hockey nations in the world, have a chance to leave their mark on these Olympics and solidify their inclusion in the “big 7″ hockey countries.  To do this they must beat the top hockey country in the world, Canada.

Bodog felt Canada was too large a favourite to offer a moneyline, so instead a 2.5 goal spread is being offered.  Here are the odds:

Slovakia +2.5 -120
Canada -2.5 +100

Bet on either team at Bodog.com

Canada must win by 3 goals to cover this spread.  Three goals is a lot to win a game by and the Slovaks are a much better team than many people give them credit for.  Gaborik, Hossa, Palffy and more can all score goals, and I don’t see Slovakia being shutout in this game, which means Canada would have to score plenty of goals to cover a 2.5 goal spread.  I think they can do it, but I believe more often than not, they won’t.

My Prediction: Canada 4 – Slovakia 2