Welcome back to the return World Junior Predictions. The elite Under-20 showcase features plenty of players that could become NHL superstars. Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games and breaks down the head-to-head matchups and other factors that play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game of WJC Predictions is Finland vs Germany. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
WJC Predictions
Switzerland vs Slovakia
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN; NHL Network
A Look at Switzerland
We open our WJC predictions with Swizterland versus Slovakia. Switzerland started tournament play against Czechia on Friday. The Swiss were downed in the opener by Czechia, 5-1. Leo Braillard was the only one to get a goal for Switzerland in the first game. Czechia potted the first five goals en route to a comfortable win.
This game will likely see Ewan Huet get the start in goal. Switzerland knows this game is important if wants a more favourable matchup in the quarterfinals.
A Look at Slovakia
Slovakia played in the opening game of the tournament against Sweden. However, it wasn’t a good opening after suffering a 5-2 loss in the tournament-opener. St Louis Blues prospect Dalibor Dvorsky scored the first goal of the event, but Slovakia gave up five straight goals. Daniel Jencko notched the other goal for the Slovaks.
Losing the first game of group play is always tough. However, Slovakia can’t feel sorry for itself and has to get back on track in short order.
Prediction
Both teams are trying to recover after losing their opener. However, Slovakia has a little more firepower to get the victory.
Prediction: Slovakia wins 4-2.
Finland vs Germany
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN4; NHL Network
A Look at Finland
The Finns played in the late game against host Canada on Friday night. Finland was stumped against Canada in the opener as it took a 4-0 loss. Petteri Rimpinen did all he could to keep his team in the game, but the scoring just wasn’t there.
Players like San Jose Sharks choice Kasper Halttunen and Dallas Stars pick Emil Hemming will be needed to jumpstart the Finnish offence. This is an important game that the Finns can’t overlook if they want to avoid one of the heavyweights in the quarterfinal round.
A Look at Germany
Germany started its 2025 World Juniors campaign against the United States. The Germans were within a goal, but Team USA pulled away to get a 10-4 victory in the Group A opener. Germany has to do a better job on the defensive end if it wants to stand a chance.
In the last tournament, Germany shocked the Finns with a 4-3 victory in the opening game of Group B. However, the teams look completely different from last year. Germany knows that its game with Latvia will decide if they go to the quarterfinals or fight against relegation.
Prediction
Finland usually doesn’t get upset in tournaments and has a long memory about what happened last tournament. The Finns get a measure of revenge against Germany to settle a score from last season,
Prediction: Finland wins 5-2.
Main photo by: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
