The preliminary stage of the 2024 World Juniors is over. After a week of intense hockey between the best 10 nations, only four remain in contention for gold. The semifinals are here and gold medal favourites USA, will face Finland. Team USA has been rolling, but face a Finnish squad that knocked out Slovakia in the last round. The Finns are always tough in elimination games. Our 2024 World Juniors Predictions is at the second semifinal.
2024 World Juniors Predictions
USA vs. Finland
Team USA
The Americans took care of business and routed Latvia, 7-2, to book a spot in the quarters. New York Rangers draftee Gabriel Perreault earned player of the week honours and has been part of the BC Line with Will Smith and Ryan Leonard. The Americans have been scoring goals at will, but their wins have been more than just offence. Defence and goaltending have also played a large part in carrying Team USA to the semifinal round. Montreal Canadiens draft choice Jacob Fowler and Detroit Red Wings selection Trey Augustine have been very good in the tournament.
Despite the dominating play, the Americans got their toughest game of the tournament against Czechia in pool play. The Americans got a shootout win and know the Finns can bring it. Finland took down Slovakia and has the tools to
Player to watch
Winnipeg Jets player and University of Michigan standout Rutger McGroarty has been fantastic this tournament. He’s already equaled last year’s point total with seven. However, he’s got four goals this season compared to his one from last tournament. He’s just another one of the number of players that can light the lamp for Team USA.
Finland
The Finns overcame a slow start in the tournament that included their first-ever loss to Germany at the World Juniors. Finland seemingly rallied from that loss and didn’t lose another game. The Finns even ruined host Sweden’s shot at a perfect mark in the final game of pool play. Team captain Jere Lassila sent his home country to the semifinal round with an overtime-winner to defeat Slovakia.
Finland doesn’t mind having to work hard to win games. They are very disciplined on defence and play intelligently on most occasions. The loss to Germany seemed to be a wakeup call and Finland has been playing well ever since.
Noa Vali is likely going to get the start, but it will be a test for the 18-year-old netminder. However, a strong performance here will give him a boost in his draft stock. The TPS Turku product will have his work cut out for him stopping the Americans good scoring talent.
Player to watch
Lassila has been absolute stud for his native country and should get a look in the next NHL Draft. However, Kasper Halttunen has also had a great tournament. The San Jose Sharks draftee has three goals and three assists in five games for Finland. Halttunen plays on the wing for the London Knights and is a big body at 6-foot, 3-inches tall and nearly 200 pounds. He’ll need to throw his weight around to help his home country.
Prediction
Finland is very good at keeping games tight and low-scoring. The Americans are going to want to get out and make this matchup a track meet. Team USA has plenty of speed and can get out on rushes. Finland will need to limit odd-man chances and also stay out of the penalty box. However, the Americans advance to the gold medal game thanks to their offensive firepower. A date with host Sweden or Czechia awaits the winner of this game.
Prediction: Team USA wins 5-3.
Main photo by Scott Wheeler
