Hockey is bringing us Holiday cheer once again with some International games! The 2024 World Junior Championship is back. With it, there will be many 2024 World Juniors Predictions! There are many names to watch, and teams to keep a close eye on! Today, we will be breaking down the final day of play in the group stages.
2024 World Juniors Predictions
USA vs Slovakia
Time: 6 a.m. EST
TV: NHLN; TSN
This is the opening game of today’s 2024 World Juniors predictions. The fate of Group B rests completely on this game. Team USA defeated Czechia in a shootout to get a shot a winning the group. Gavin Brindley has been outstanding, as the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect has been playing great all tournament long. The BC Line has been doing a lot of heavy lifting and will have to more of the same against the Slovaks.
Minnesota Wild prospect Servac Petrovsky is leading the way in points with eight in the tournament. However, let’s not forget the work of Buffalo Sabres prospect and Michigan State player Maxim Strbak. Slovakia has shown some much promise and growth over the last few seasons. The Slovaks are going to be tough to deal with for the next few tournaments.
This is going to be a tight one, but USA narrowly gets the win.
Prediction: USA wins 3-2.
Sweden vs Finland
Time: 8:30 a.m. EST
TV: NHLN; TSN3
It’s a battle between Scandinavian neighbours as Sweden battles Finland. The Swedes know the assignment of a win gives them control of Group A. St Louis Blues draftee Otto Stenberg has been having a heck of a tournament in front of his home fans. Momentum is on the side of the host nation.
However, Finland is the type of team that can spoil the party. A win would give the Finns a guaranteed spot in the quarterfinals, but a loss could cause some nerves. Jere Lassila has been one of the better Finnish forwards in the tournament.
Sweden has to be wary of Finland, but will take Group A with the win.
Prediction: Sweden wins 4-2.
Czechia vs Switzerland
Time: 11 a.m. EST
TV: NHLN; TSN3
The Czechs know they can’t jump over the Americans to get second in the group. However, the Swiss can still leapfrog Czechia for third in the group. Seattle Kraken selection Eduard Sale has been strong for the whole tournament. Sale and Sabres pick Jiri Kulich both have three goals and two assists.
Switzerland did its job and avoided the relegation round, but still has plenty of play for. Jonas Taibel has been one of the bright spots for the Swiss this tournament. He’s among the leaders in scoring with five points in his third tournament.
Czechia knows it has everything to lose, but it gets the win.
Prediction: Czechia wins 5-2.
Germany vs Canada
Time: 1:30 p.m. EST
TV: NHLN; TSN4
Our last game of 2024 World Juniors Predictions has Germany in a spot it didn’t think it would be in. The Germans are fighting to avoid the relegation round against an annoyed Team Canada. Detroit Red Wings choice Kevin Bicker has two assists for the tournament, but this team needs to play one of the game’s of its life in order to book a spot in the quarterfinals.
Canada is seething after a 2-0 loss to host Sweden last time out. Macklin Celebrini has been getting lots of headlines, but Blue Jackets’ selection Denton Mateychuk has been underrated in this tournament. However, Canada wants to go into the last eight on a high note.
The Canadians usually play well with a chip on their shoulder. Germany will stay close early, but Canada pulls away late.
Prediction: Canada wins 6-3.
Main photo by: Dale Preston/Getty Images
