{"id":122994,"date":"2021-12-26T09:50:32","date_gmt":"2021-12-26T14:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=122994"},"modified":"2021-12-25T18:39:06","modified_gmt":"2021-12-25T23:39:06","slug":"2022-world-junior-championship-predictions-united-states-slovakia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2021\/12\/26\/2022-world-junior-championship-predictions-united-states-slovakia\/","title":{"rendered":"2022 World Junior Championships Predictions: United States vs. Slovakia"},"content":{"rendered":"

December 26th kicks off the 2022 World Junior Championships, opening with a four-game slate that offers some reprieve to what’s been a hockey-less schedule for NHL fans the past few days. With games on the 27th postponed as well<\/a>, it’s an even more welcome addition to the holiday season. The last game on the schedule for today is a Group B matchup between the United States and Slovakia.<\/p>\n

2022 World Junior Championships Predictions<\/h2>\n

United States vs. Slovakia<\/h3>\n

Sunday’s last matchup sees a team that’s beginning their gold medal defence face off against one that’s won just two medals in the history of the tournament. Normally, this would be a forgettable game. Yet Slovakia should be one of the biggest dark horses in this tournament, spearheaded by a tournament-high nine players under 18 years old. They’re tasked with winning Slovakia’s first medal since their bronze win in 2015, a run largely driven by the incredible play of Denis Godla in goal.<\/p>\n

The United States returns without much of its starpower from last year. Yet still, they have a good depth of talent that makes them an appealing medal pick. Trevor Zegras<\/a> though, who had an incredible 18 points in seven games, has aged out. They don’t have a player on the roster with his gamebreaking abilities. There will need to be a good team effort in order for the Americans to repeat as gold medalists in 2022.<\/p>\n

Team USA<\/h3>\n

After blowing a 3-1 lead to Finland in their pre-tournament game, the United States will need to play a much intentional and disciplined game against the Slovaks to ensure a win. An unnecessary elbow from Detroit Red Wings<\/a> prospect Red Savage<\/a> gave the Finns a five-minute power-play late in the game, allowing them to score twice to tie it and then get the overtime winner. They’ll need to be more ready against a Slovakia team that’s armed to surprise.<\/p>\n

All eyes will be on the University of Michigan trio of Matthew Beniers<\/a> (Seattle Kraken<\/a>), Mackie Samoskevich<\/a> (Florida Panthers<\/a>), and Luke Hughes<\/a> (New Jersey Devils<\/a>) to make their presence known at their first World Juniors. They were all taken in the first round during the 2021 NHL Draft and will be responsible for a lot of the work that needs to be done to replace the likes of Zegras and Cole Caufield<\/a> on the scoresheet.<\/p>\n

There are other big question marks for the States that will be put to the test in this game. Drew Commesso<\/a> (Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>) is the new man between the pipes, and he’ll need to prove that he can do battle with the best goalies at this tournament. The lone 2022 draft-eligible skater on this roster is Logan Cooley. He’s a center with 38 points through just 27 games with the US National Team Development Program. A good performance from him in this game and tournament will bolster the Americans’ already-appealing depth. It would also help solidify his place as a top-ten prospect this year. Their overall depth of talent, however, still makes them a solid favourite against the Slovaks to open the tournament.<\/p>\n

Team Slovakia<\/h3>\n

Despite having only three players drafted to NHL teams on their squad, Slovakia brings their most intriguing offering to the tournament in recent memory. Defenseman Samuel Knazko (Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>) returns from last year’s squad to again serve as the team’s captain in his last year of eligibility.<\/p>\n

However, the youth is the focal point of this Slovak team. Defenseman Simon Nemec and wingers Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar make up the trio of likely 2022 Slovakian first-round selections. There’s also center Servac Petrovsky, winger Adam Sykora, defenseman Viliam Kmec and goalie Rastislav Elias. They could get looks in the later rounds. A name that could make a serious impact for them too is 16-year-old Dalibor Dvorsky, a centerman who’s impressed for Slovakia internationally. He’s working his way into the top-five conversation for the 2023 NHL Draft. With 27 points in 20 games for AIK J20 in the top Swedish junior league, he’s a player to watch.<\/p>\n

Goaltending could be a strength for the Slovaks as well. 19-year-old Simon Latkoczy performed stellarly in three games last year, posting a shutout and .922 save percentage. With a youthful core and strong goaltending, they could certainly give the defending champions a run for their money.<\/p>\n

Prediction<\/h3>\n

It’ll be tough for Slovakia to get favourable positioning in Group B. There’s Russia, Sweden, and the United States in the way. A win against just one of those teams would be huge for them in getting a better playoff matchup. However, while the United States is a weakened team from last year, their long list of NHL-drafted depth is hard to ignore. While Slovakia should make this an entertaining matchup, expect the defending champions to get off to a triumphant start at the 2022 World Junior Championships.<\/p>\n

Prediction: United States win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n

Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>