Czechia vs Denmark
How to Watch: US TV: NHL Network Canada: TSN
Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Both Czechia and Denmark dropped their first games of the tournament and will face off on Day 2, each looking for their first win of the tournament. Czechia fell to Team Canada 7-5, while the Danes dropped their opener 6-2 to Finland.
Czechia’s Keys to Victory
The Czechs looked extremely impressive in their opening matchup against Canada. They had Team Canada, the presumed frontrunners this year, on the ropes for a majority of the game until Canada pulled away late in the third. They played a very aggressive and physical game, which seemed to throw Canada off at times, and it will be a challenge for the Danes to handle. Tomas Poletin registered 2 goals for the Czechs and was named their player of the game. Washington Capitals’ prospect, Petr Sikora, was all over the ice creating scoring chances, eventually finding the back of the net in the second period. If those top-end offensive players can continue to produce, and they can sure up the back end, they should roll through Denmark in this matchup.
Denmark’s Perspective
After returning to the World Juniors for the first time since 2019, the Danes got off to a tough start, falling to Finland by a score of 6-2. Anton Linde and William Bundgaard each scored for the Danes in their opener, but they will need a lot more offensive pressure if they want to compete with the Czechs. They’ll also need a stellar performance in net from goaltender Anton Emil Wilde Larsen and shut-down defense from their top blueliners like Markus Jakobsen, Jeppe Kramer, and Jesper Bank Olesen to keep them in this game.
The Final Prediction
The Czechia offense is going to start clicking even more in this game. They should have more space to operate and create against a weaker opponent in Denmark, and they will develop more chemistry with each passing game. Denmark lacks depth more than any other team in the tournament, and the Czechs will be motivated after losing an opportunity to upset Canada in their opening game. The Danes won’t be able to handle the offensive pressure and physical style of play from the Czechs and will ultimately fall in this day 2 matchup.
Prediction: Czechia 6 – 1 Denmark
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
