Latvia vs Finland
How to Watch:
US TV: NHL Network
Canada TV: TSN
Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Where: 3M Arena at Mariucci (Minneapolis)
Our second and final game of this round of World Junior Championship predictions is another all-European affair between Latvia and Finland. Both teams are also playing their second game of the tournament. However, Finland was off on Saturday.
Latvia almost pulled off the upset once against Canada. However, Montreal Canadiens selection Michael Hage dashed the Latvians’ hopes off pulling off a second consecutive upset against the Canadians. Rudolfs Berzkalns, who is a 2026 NHL Draft eligible prospect, scored and Nils Maurins kept things close with 36 saves.
Finland had lost its last four tournament-openers before dispatching upstart Denmark, 6-2. Roope Vesterinen supplied a pair of goals, while Ottawa 67s forward Jasper Kuhta dished out three assists. Los Angeles Kings draft pick Petteri Rimpinen only needed to make eight saves to get the win. However, he’ll have to improve if Finland wants to go far in the tournament.
Latvia won’t be an easy out, as it proved against Canada. However, Finland is a squad that usually improves the deeper it gets into tournaments.
Prediction: Finland wins 3-2.
Main photo by: David Reginek-Imagn Images
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