Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: US TV: NHL Network Canada: TSN
Location: 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, Minnesota
World Junior Championship Predictions: Quarterfinal #2 – Czechia vs Switzerland
The Czechs finished second in Group B after finishing group play with a 3-1 record, with their sole loss coming at the hands of Team Canada, where they played to a tough 7-5 loss in their tournament opener. Since then, they’ve won three-straight games, taking down Finland in overtime along the way. In their final game of group play, they defeated Latvia 4-2, setting them up for this quarterfinal matchup against the Swiss, who finished third in Group A.
Team Switzerland heads into the quarterfinals after back-to-back wins against Germany and Slovakia. The Swiss dropped their first two games of the tournament to the US and Sweden, giving them a 2-2 record and finishing third place in Group A. Switzerland has been a pleasant surprise this tournament, getting solid contributions up and down the lineup, but will need all hands on deck if they want to advance to the semifinal round.
Czechia’s Outlook
The Czechs have looked really solid so far this tournament. They’ve been getting offensive production from several key players and could’ve easily finished on top of Group B had their opening matchup with Canada gone differently. Furthermore, undrafted defenceman Tomas Galvas and Los Angeles Kings prospect, forward Vojtech Cihar, lead the team in points with seven each. They’ve also gotten great play out of Chicago Blackhawks prospect, Vaclav Nestrasil, who has six points, and Washington Capitals prospect, Petr Sikora, who has put up five points in their group round games.
One of the biggest bright spots for the Czechs has been St. Louis Blues prospect, Adam Jiricek. Jiricek currently leads the team in scoring, netting three goals in their four group round games, including his viral game-winner in overtime against Finland. This team believes it should be competing for a gold medal this year and will look to flex its muscle against the Swiss in this quarterfinal matchup.
Switzerland’s Side
The Swiss have been led up front by 2026 draft-eligible forward, Lars Steiner, who leads the team with three points, scoring one goal and tallying two assists. Washington Capitals prospect and team captain, Leon Muggli, is tied with Steiner for the team lead in points with three assists and leads the team in minutes played, averaging just over 20 minutes per game. Muggli and the rest of the Swiss defence will have their hands full with a loaded Czech offence. Moreover, they’ll need a solid performance in net from either Christian Kirsch or Elijah Neuenschwander, who have split goaltending duties evenly this tournament.
Final Prediction
The Swiss have had an impressive tournament, but that comes to an end this round. The Czechs are a team on a mission right now and should dominate this game offensively. In addition, the amount of weapons they have will prove to be too much for Switzerland’s lack of depth. Czechia should outplay them from the jump and pull away for a decisive victory, advancing them to the semifinal round and sending the Swiss packing.
Final Prediction: Czechia 6 – Switzerland 2
Main Photo Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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