2022 Winter Olympics Men’s Ice Hockey Odds Update – ROC Now a Strong Favorite for Gold

Fans looking for the best bets for the 2022 Winter Olympics can forget about the United States winning gold in the men’s ice hockey tournament.

That’s if the latest odds for the Winter Olympics hockey in Beijing are to be believed. Canadian fans will also be disappointed somewhat with the NHL’s decision not to allow players in the league to participate in the upcoming games.

Instead, the Russian Olympic Committee — boosted by the best of their talent from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) — are sure-fire favorites to take the gold.

Here’s the latest.

I’ve taken the following odds for the male ice hockey tournament at Beijing 2022 from the BetOnline sportsbook. You can find a full list of all participants by visiting the site.

It should come as no surprise to see the United States suffer a dramatic fall in the odds table, given Team USA will feature none of its major stars. 

Instead, the ROC looks the strongest of the bunch. Especially with pre-tournament favorites, Canada, will also be missing out on some of its brightest stock. Although the Canadian team is not as strong as they would have been with a full roster on the plane to China. 

NHL announces that there will not be an Olympic break, NHL Players will not be able to participate in 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Full release: https://t.co/GkHDkNgZSo pic.twitter.com/ysBmWctzjw

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 22, 2021

Despite being priced at +600, Canadian Olympic Committee’s CEO and general secretary David Shoemaker is remaining optimistic following the NHL’s decision to refuse to release players.

Veteran players such as Russia’s Alex Ovechkin and Canada’s Sidney Crosby, 36 and 34, respectively, are not as sanguine. For Crosby, he has seen his last chance of appearing at an Olympics pass him by.

Before you put the wife and kids on the Russians to win gold with Winter Olympics betting sites, understand that the tournament has still to be played.

While the ROC will be strong and a formidable challenge, they are far from a sure thing. First, the Russian team is plus money odds, despite being favored to win the gold. That is an indication, albeit a small one, that there is competition for them ahead of Beijing. 

The last time the USA’s men’s team won gold at the Winter Olympics? It was 1980 against the Soviet Union. When they were a mix and match team that was given odds of +10000. That was the “Miracle on Ice,” which put the class of ’80 up there with the unlikeliest Winter Olympics heroes of all time.

Although I wouldn’t hold my breath for gold for the USA, they can take some motivation from that, at least. 

Keep an eye on our Olympics betting blog for the latest odds, bets, and wagering advice ahead of Beijing 2022.