After a full slate of World Junior Championships action on Boxing Day, Team Germany and Team Czechia face off. Both sides were handed losses yesterday, however, this shouldn’t take away from the matchup this poses to be. Both teams exceeded expectations in their opening games, and both look to bounce back and get in the win column. Germany showed a strong defensive game against Finland, while Team Czechia showed they can score goals easily against a strong Team Canada. This game is shaping up to be a fun one at Rodgers Place tonight as we continue our 2022 World Junior Championships predictions.
2022 World Junior Championships Predictions – Germany vs Czechia
Germany vs Czechia
Both sides go in looking to get their first win of the tournament and are hungry to redeem themselves after losses on day one. Both teams are also playing their second game in as many days, so fatigue could play a larger role. Germany and Czechia aren’t standout teams in this tournament, however, they’re each competitive and their strengths clash with each other. The German’s strength, as showcased against Finland, is their play from their defence. Holding a Finnish team that is as talented as they are to only three goals isn’t easy. Playing against a much weaker Team Czechia will certainly bring out the best for Team Germany.
On the other side of the matchup, Team Czechia is coming off of a hard-fought game against one of the tournament’s best, in which they scored three goals in one period. If they’re able to capture the offensive efficiency that they had in period one against Canada, this should be a great game for Team Czechia. Captain Jan Mysak will need to step up and help put the puck in the back of the net. The same goes with the rest of their top-line players. However, if the forwards can’t get the job done, their goaltending should be strong enough to keep the game close.
Team Germany
A low-scoring contest against Team Finland shouldn’t be a consistent style of game for Team Germany. With an assist by second liner Alexander Blank on the goal, it shows that the top forwards are able to produce. In today’s game, however, every pass, every shot, and every opportunity matters. Florian Elias had a decent game against Finland, but he’s going to need to turn it up in game two to make a difference. Goaltender Nikita Quapp was in net yesterday, so Florian Bugl should have a chance to prove himself against Team Czechia. On the defensive end of the game, there isn’t too much more they need to do. Cutting off the slot passing lane will be crucial, and obviously preventing a scoring frenzy from Czechia will be important as well. All in all, though, Team Germany just needs to continue to play their game and keep it simple.
Team Czechia
The offence for Team Czechia has to show up in the same way they did against Team Canada yesterday night. Top forwards Jan Mysak and Pavel Novak, as well as blueliner Stanislav Svozil, will all look to continue their individual dominance against Team Germany. Similar to Team Germany, playing a weaker opponent should help to bring out the best in Team Czechia’s game. However with a 30 save performance from Jake Malek, despite it being a back-to-back, it wouldn’t be out of the picture to expect a similar level of play from Jan Bednar. It’s been said before, but playing Team Germany, a significantly weaker team than Team Canada will aid in Czechia’s performance.
Prediction
Both teams are going into the second game of a back-to-back and coming off of a loss. Their hunger and need to win mentality should make this a better game than it is billed to be. Expect both teams to come out firing early. Despite the likely goaltending matchup, this could be a high-scoring contest. At the end of the day, Team Germany has a slightly better team makeup than Team Czechia and will come out on top.
Prediction: Germany wins 5-3.
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