Snow is falling all around us, and children are playing and having fun in Sweden, especially in Gothenburg where the World Junior Championship kicked off in style. ‘Tis the season after all. Although on the ice the air is filled with anything but love and understanding. It’s physical, intense, and fast, and exactly what the World Juniors should be like. Merry Christmas, everyone. With that, let’s get into the stories ahead of our 2024 World Juniors predictions!
This all continues on day two, which starts with Slovakia attempting to continue their momentum from the win over Czechia, this time against Switzerland. In the second game of the day, Finland is trying to rebound after their loss to Canada against Germany.
2024 World Juniors Predictions: Day Two
Slovakia vs. Switzerland
The first game of day two of the 2024 World Juniors sees Slovakia facing Switzerland. Switzerland is going into their first game of the tournament, and hoping to start on the right foot. On the other hand, Slovakia is coming off a historic 6-2 win over their main rivals, Czechia, to get off to a perfect start.
Team Slovakia
It took the Slovaks a period to get going, but after the first period, they never looked back. Without mincing words, they slaughtered their neighbour Czechia in the first match of the Juniors. The special teams looked great, defensively they locked it down with a sharp Adam Gajan, and the offence shelled Michael Hrabal. After a 40-minute-long onslaught, the score was 6-2 to Slovakia, who could enjoy the first three points of the tournament.
Less than 24 hours later, they will be back on the ice in the Frölundaborg. The opponents will be Switzerland, and a win would put them in a prime position to be USA’s biggest challenger in Group B. In contrast to the game against Czechia, they will be the favourites, and will have to create the game against a compact and defensive team.
Player to Watch
After the wonderful win over Czechia, there were plenty of Slovak players to choose from. The team was flying and everyone chipped in. One player to highlight in this game is Servac Petrovsky, who scored two goals in the win over Czechia. Playing in all situations for Slovakia, and doing a great job in all areas of the ice. He is an underrated part of the first line. The Minnesota Wild prospect has a great one-timer, can win puck battles and allows other players like Filip Mesar to shine. Watch for Petrovsky to keep up his goal-scoring in this one.
Team Switzerland
A saying goes that defence wins championships. While Switzerland has never won gold, or even been close to it on the junior level, it has kept them in the top division since 2010. Making it to the knockout rounds in six of the last seven years. Most of which have come of great defences and brilliant goaltending. Offensively, they’ve struggled, and it’s likely a trend that is going to continue in Gothenburg. Against Slovakia, they have to try and capitalize on their opponents being on the backend of a back-to-back. They will need to be smart defensively and take their chances, with goaltender Alessio Beglieri needing to do his best Luca Hollenstein impression to win.
Player to Watch
They have a nearly brand-new roster compared to last year, with only four returning players. One of these is Rodwin Dionicio, who needs to be the Swiss’ best player. Without the likes of Lian Bichsel in the lineup, Dionicio will be tasked with playing crucial minutes. Both at 5-on-5, but also special teams. He will be the pillar for the defence to lean on, especially the two 2024 draft-eligible players, Daniil Ustinkov and Leon Muggli. Both are playing in the Swiss National League. Dionicio will be the leader of the defence and if he falters, Switzerland could see itself in for a rough time in Sweden.
Prediction
Slovakia should have more than enough star power to win this game, especially against an inexperienced Swiss team. For many Swiss players, it will be a baptism by fire. But in hockey, anything can happen. However, expect a barrage with Dalibor Dvorský, Filip Mesar, Petrovsky and Adam Sykora at the forefront. A barrage that should be too much for Dionicio and the Swiss defence to handle.
Prediction: Slovakia wins 7-1
Finland vs. Germany
Similar to Switzerland, Germany is gearing up to play their first game of the tournament. Just like their neighbours to the south, they face a team that played a game 24 hours ago. After a hard-fought and really good game overall, with a lot of physicality, Finland was defeated 5-2 by Canada. A game that was extremely close and intense, where missed chances and a lack of discipline in the end were the difference. Against Germany, Finland is looking to rebound and get some points in the standings.
Team Finland
While Finland lost their opener to Canada, it wasn’t for the lack of trying. The Finns were as tenacious and difficult to play against for Canada as expected, and the physicality of the Finns looked great. The goaltending from Niklas Kokko was stellar, but the lack of goals in the first and second periods, as well as missed chances on the powerplay, came back to haunt them. They had the chance, and did show that they are a dark horse that can’t be underestimated again.
In their second game, they face Germany, in a very different game. For starters, they are heavy favourites to win, despite having had far less rest than the Germans. The second difference is that, against Germany, it will be up to Finland to create the game. A task that historically hasn’t always been easy for the Finns in the World Juniors, as they like to catch other teams on the break and keep a tight ship defensively. That won’t work against Germany, who will sit back and let Finland have a lot of possession. Therefore, it will be up to players like Konsta Helenius to unlock the German defence.
Player to Watch
Jani Nyman was everywhere against Canada in the opening match. He was involved in most of Finland’s chances and was shooting from anywhere. He was also great physically and looked electric, and is poised for a stellar tournament. Nyman’s shoot-first mentality could be the key to creating chances against what should be a tight and compact defence. Same with his physical game, where he gets involved and isn’t shying away from the dirty areas to win puck battles. When facing an underdog, who will fight tooth and nail to win the puck, those battles are some you need to be willing to take, and Nyman certainly showed he is against Canada. Seeing Nyman having a multi-point game against Germany wouldn’t be a shock whatsoever.
Team Germany
Another European nation that has seen major changes in the lineup compared to last year is Germany. Only five players are left from last year’s team. A team that in five games, they were outscored 33-8. On paper, this year’s team looks to be on par with that team in terms of talent and skill, which doesn’t bring a lot of confidence to the hopes of Germany. Their gold medal game will be on the 30th of December against Latvia to avoid the dreaded relegation games. Anything before, like the game against Finland, is a preparation for that match.
Player to Watch
One of the players that will be very instrumental in Germany being competitive against the Finns will be Norwin Panocha. The Buffalo Sabres 7th round draft pick in 2023 made the jump to North America this season and has adjusted well. Playing in the QMJHL, he has experience against some of the world’s best prospects, which is going to be vital. He should be able to add some stability defensively against Finland, and potentially try and push the offence at times with a few smart breakout passes.
Prediction
It could be a long night for Germany, as they try to limit the loss to a respectable margin. Finland has a ton more talent up and down the roster, and is chasing their first win of the tournament. While the Finns did play less than 24 hours ago, this could be one of the blowouts of the tournament. Even with Finland’s bumpy history with games like this in mind.
Prediction: Finland wins 9-2
Main Photo: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
