Canada vs Denmark 18 May 2026 Prediction

Canada wants to give its fans at least one title before the season ends. A star-filled and experienced roster under a new manager has started the World Championship well. Now the Maple Leafs have a chance to respond to last year’s loss against Denmark. Can the Lions surprise them, or will the nominal hosts handle the matchup comfortably?

With Crosby, Canada Looks Different

Canada has had enough disappointments this season: it failed to win the Olympics, the U18 World Championship, and the World Juniors. But this team looks determined now. The roster says a lot, as almost every player is from the NHL, and Sidney Crosby has also joined the squad. In its first World Championship game, the Maple Leafs showed resilience: they entered the third period tied 3-3 but still beat Sweden 5-3. Italy caused no real problems either, as Canada won 6-0, with captain Macklin Celebrini scoring twice. The tune-up games against France and Hungary, 6-1 and 3-1, as well as the first tournament games, show that Misha Donskov’s team has been efficient with its chances.

Canada Predicted Lineup: Talbot (Greaves) – Wotherspoon, Bouchard – Crosby, Celebrini, Cozens

Full Roster: defensemen – Rielly, DeMelo, Nurse, Whitecloud, Mateychuk; forwards – Vilardi, Thomas, Scheifele, Tavares, O’Reilly, Holloway, Martone, Minten, Brown, Mercer

Manager: Misha Donskov

Not Much Is Expected From Denmark

Over the last six years, Denmark has reached the World Championship playoffs only once. Its chances are not high this time either, especially in a group with the Czech Republic, Canada, and Sweden. Early in the tournament, it was clear that Denmark finds it difficult to compete with top teams. In May friendlies against Hungary and Slovakia, Mikael Gath’s team averaged four goals per game, but in its opener against the Czech Republic, it scored only on the power play in a 4-1 loss. The Lions had serious problems breaking down the defense: in the first period, they managed only one shot on goal.

Denmark Predicted Lineup: Søgaard (Henriksen) – Jensen, Lauridsen – Olesen, Russell, From

Full Roster: defensemen – Bruggisser, Setkov, Koch, Larsen, Baastrup; forwards – Blichfeld, True, Ogor, Schmidt-Svejstrup, Wejse, Poulsen, Storm, Kjaer, Schultz

Manager: Mikael Gath

Last Year’s Loss Still Matters

Last year, Denmark eliminated Canada in the World Championship quarterfinals with a strong finish, winning 2-1. However, repeating that result will be difficult against this Canadian roster. Donskov’s team also knows how to handle Denmark’s attack, as the Lions have scored more than two goals only once in the last seven head-to-head meetings.

Canada vs Denmark Prediction: Canada -4.5 Handicap at 2.13

• Main Pick: The nominal hosts are clearly stronger. Canada is a balanced team that is strong not only in attack but also defensively. The Maple Leafs have allowed no more than two goals in four of their last five games. Even in the Olympic final against the USA, they allowed only one goal in regulation, and they were also solid against France and Hungary. As the first World Championship games showed, Denmark has major difficulty breaking down skilled opponents. Given the difference in quality, the pick is Canada -4.5 handicap at 2.13. For a correct-score option, 7-2 is possible.
• Total Pick: Denmark’s spring friendlies showed what can happen when it faces star-level national teams. Finland beat the Lions 10-5. There is a strong chance this game also ends with a wide margin. Canada’s games at this tournament are also averaging seven total goals. The option to consider is Over 6.5 Goals at 1.85.
• Power-Play Goals Pick: Giving the Maple Leafs power-play opportunities is dangerous because their special teams are working well. Donskov’s team scored two power-play goals against both France and Hungary. The pick is Canada team total power-play goals over 1.5.

The prediction will be updated and expanded after the Denmark vs Sweden game is completed.