Sochi Olympics: Best bests for Monday

Best bets for the Sochi Olympics on Monday:

Women’s hockey

The U.S. and Canadian women’s teams continue on their collision course for the gold medal as they both should dispatch their opponents in the semifinals. The U.S. plays Sweden, which is 1-11 against the U.S. Canada gets to play Switzerland. After that the U.S. would get a chance to avenge its 3-2 loss earlier in the tournament.

Ice dancing

Heading into the free skate things are just as everyone expected. Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the U.S. are in first and defending Olympic champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada are in second. The pairs have the same coaches and they train together.

Men’s snowboard cross

The U.S. has an outside shot at a medal, but the winner probably will be either Alex Pullin of Australia or Markus Schairer of Austria. Nate Holland is probably the U.S.’ best hope. He has returned to racing after breaking a collarbone in December. Trevor Jacob of the U.S. is the wild card in the race.

Two-man bobsled

The U.S. is in definite medal contention as the final two runs of the four-run two-man bobsled finish. Steve Holcomb’s and Steve Langton’s sled sits in third place, .04 of a second behind Switzerland. Russia is leading the competition by .36 of a second.

Early best bets (while you are sleeping)

Women’s giant slalom

We get the debut of potential breakout star Mikaela Shiffrin of the U.S. The 18-year-old is stronger in the slalom but could pick up her first Olympic medal in the giant slalom. Julia Mancuso won this event in 2006 in Turin, Italy. Anna Fenninger of Austria will be out for her second gold of the Games with a good run.

— John Cherwa