The 2024 World Juniors are nearing the end of the group stage, and desperation is starting to creep in for some nations. The ghost of relegation looms in the shadows around Gothenburg during day four’s early games. Let’s get into what’s on the slate for our 2024 World Juniors Predictions!
Starting in Group A, Germany’s upset win over Finland has added an unexpected twist to the bottom of the group. A twist that has made the match between Finland and Latvia far more impactful than first expected. Before that game, Norway takes on the dark horse of the tournament, Slovakia. Another rough outing for the newcomers, who already suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Czechia. Can they regain some confidence and be competitive like against the US, or will the Slovaks run riot and solidify a top-two finish in Group B? Those are the questions for the first half of day four of the 2024 World Juniors.
2024 World Juniors Predictions
Norway vs. Slovakia
The lovable underdog takes on the lovable dark horse in the first game of day four. That is the story after both team’s first two games, where both had an impressive first game, but also a lacklustre second outing. For Norway, they were very impressive against one of the top nations of the event, and only lost 4-1 to the US. However, in their second game, they got a reality check when Jiří Kulich and Czechia defeated the newcomers 8-1. Slovakia, on the other hand delivered a historic win against Czechia, before looking flat the day after against Switzerland. The Slovaks did manage to get 6 out of 6 points from the games, but the latter did bring down the hype a tad.
Team Norway
The newcomers have had a baptism by fire so far in these World Juniors. First, they took on the main favourites of the tournament. Then the day after they faced off against the silver medalists from last year. Impressions so far seem to be that they exceeded most expectations, and players like Markus Stensrud, Petter Vesterheim and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård have been excellent so far. Especially Stenrud, who has been one of the best goalies in the tournament. This isn’t the primary must-win game for Norway, and will mostly be a preparation game ahead of their game against Switzerland on the 3oth of December.
Player to Watch
One of the very good surprise performers from Team Norway is Stian Solberg. The 17-year-old defenceman, who plays in the top Norwegian league, has been one of the best defenders for Norway this tournament. Despite his age, he has been extremely mature and smart defensively. Especially against the US, where he broke up a ton of plays with an active stick and great positioning. While he probably won’t go in the top rounds of the 2024 NHL draft, he has managed to turn some heads and will be looking to do the same against the Slovak superstars.
Team Slovakia
The Slovaks have had the perfect start to the tournament with maximum points in their first two games. Now they are looking to make six points into nine with a win over Norway. A game they should win, but also a potential banana peel. In their last game against Switzerland, they were also heavily favoured, but didn’t quite deliver. Partly due to Switzerland playing a strong defensive game, but also because Slovakia wasn’t able to create the game on their own. When they face a team that sits back, cracks begin to show in their game. For them to stay in contention with Team USA for first place, they need to grab another win against Norway.
Player to Watch
Despite the overall success of Slovakia so far this tournament, there is still room for improvement. Particularly in terms of Dalibor Dvorský, who has been very quiet so far. A lot was expected of Dvorský before the Juniors started, but after two games he is without a single point. For a player with 34 points in his first 20 games in North America, it is disappointing. Against Norway, he should have a chance to get on the score-sheet and kick-start his tournament. Slovakia needs Dvorský to find his game for when they reach the knockout stage.
Prediction
This should be an easy game for Slovakia. They are fairly rested and have far more depth and talent in the lineup. Norway is still chasing their first point in the World Juniors and it’s hard to see that change against Slovakia.
Prediction: Slovakia wins 7-2
Latvia vs. Finland
This game has the potential to spark pure chaos in the tournament. To set the scene, this could be a game that decides who ends up in the relegation round and who moves on. If Latvia finds a way to defeat the Finns and cause yet another upset, the 2019 World Junior Champions would likely be in the relegation round. A thing that has only happened once in the past decade, and twice since 1995. If the Finns win in regulation they should be safe, although it would be with a potential game against the USA in the quarters.
Team Latvia
To put it lightly, Latvia has had a rough tournament so far. After an admirable 6-0 defeat against Sweden, they were shelled by Canada in the second game and lost 10-0. Without a goal so far in the tournament, this will be a thing that needs to change against Finland. Even without a win or point, breaking the duck and hearing their goal song would do a ton for the Latvian players’ confidence. For them, this will be an unexpected and minuscule chance to save themselves, and getting the first goal would go a long way.
Player to Watch
To win against Finland, one man is going to have to shine brighter than anyone else. Goaltender Deivs Rolovs needs to be on top of his game and above it for Latvia to have a chance. While Finland didn’t create a ton of great looks against Germany, they still have too much firepower for Latvia to not need strong goaltending. Rolovs looked sharp in the first part against Sweden, but was eventually overwhelmed. Against Finland, he needs to play 60 minutes like he did in the first game against the Swedes.
Team Finland
Alarm bells are ringing big time for Finland. While losing to Canada was expected, and the Finns looked good for around half of it, the loss to Germany was a disaster. Finland is left without any points and now needs to get a win against Latvia to just make it to the quarter-finals. Even then, they might need to defeat the host nation Sweden to get above Germany and avoid Team USA. A match that could spell another early exit for the Finns.
Player to Watch
Finland needs a lot more from a ton of players. One of the primary players that needs to step it up and help the goal-scoring is Lenni Hämeenaho. The New Jersey Devils prospect has had a ton of chances so far but failed to capitalize on any of them. As a first-line forward still looking for the first point, this isn’t good enough. Latvia will be playing similarly to Germany and with a defence-first mentality, and without better finishing from Hämeenaho and his teammates, another upset could be on the cards.
Prediction
Finland are heavy favourites and should win this 10 times out of 10. Latvia’s inefficiency in both zones and the fact they have been outscored 16-0 in two games doesn’t give them any confidence either. Therefore, Finland should secure their first win of the tournament without too much worry.
Prediction: Finland wins 5-1
Main Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
