Austria vs Finland: prediction & betting odds May 9, 2025

The Matchday 1 encounter in Group A of the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship between Austria and Finland will take place on May 9 at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm. Austria vs. Finland: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Austria

Austria finished fifth in Group A at the last World Championship, accumulating a total of seven points, three points shy of the top four. Notably, the team has never secured a podium finish in the World Championship in the 21st century.

In the upcoming World Championship, seven players from Austria will be making their debut. Among the experienced players who participated in at least the previous World Championship, notable names include David Kickert, Dominic Heinrich, Bernd Wolf, Thomas Raffl, and Lukas Haudum. The latter was one of the top performers last year, earning six points over seven games (2 goals, 4 assists).

• No more than six goals were scored in regulation time in Austria's last four World Championship matches.
• The team scored at least two goals in regulation time in 5 of their last 6 matches in the tournament.
• Austria conceded no more than four goals in regulation time in their last four World Championship games.

Finland

Finland finished fourth in the group stage at last year's World Championship and were eliminated in the quarterfinals, losing to Sweden in overtime. It's worth noting that Finland has failed to reach the podium in the World Championship for the second consecutive year but has won the championship twice in the last six years (2019, 2022).

Shortly before the start of the World Championship, the team was strengthened by the addition of Ottawa defenseman Nicolas Matinpalo, who is expected to bolster the defense, and Chicago forward Teuvo Teravainen, who scored 58 points (15 goals, 43 assists) for his club this season. Among the goalkeepers, Juuse Saros stands out, having recently participated with Finland in the Four Nations Tournament.

• Finland did not score more than three goals in regulation time in their last three World Championship meetings.
• The team lost 4 of their last 5 games in this tournament (1 in OT).
• No more than five goals were scored in regulation time in 5 of Finland's last 6 World Championship matches.

Austria vs. Finland: Match Prediction

Based on their squad, Finland might not be considered a top-three team in the current World Championship. However, due to a combination of experience and youthful energy, this team can pose problems for most of their opponents. Finland appears to be a well-rounded team capable of neutralizing the strengths of their opponents, and they should not face difficulties against Austria. The question is only about the margin of victory in their opening game of the tournament.

In 4 of their last 6 official matches, Austria managed just one goal in regulation time. Meanwhile, Finland scored at least four goals in regulation time in 4 of their last 7 official encounters against Austria. Additionally, in 3 of their last 5 World Championship meetings, Finland defeated Austria by at least three goals in regulation time.

I believe Finland will be able to replicate this margin of victory in their opening game of the tournament. My prediction: Finland with a handicap (-2.5)