Welcome back to the return World Junior Predictions. The elite Under-20 showcase features plenty of players that could become NHL superstars. Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games and breaks down the head-to-head matchups and other factors that play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game of WJC Predictions is Germany vs United States. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
WJC Predictions
Slovakia vs Sweden
Time: Noon Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
A Look at Slovakia
We open up WJC predictions with the first matchup of the tournament between Slovakia and Sweden. The Slovaks return a few key players from last year’s roster. This includes Buffalo Sabres prospect Maxim Strbak and St Louis Blues draftee Dalibor Dvorsky.Strbak is in his fourth World Junior tournament and a very good defenceman.
The latter is going to be an important player if Slovakia wants to have a chance at making a run in the tournament. Dvorsky has plenty of skill and might be one of the skaters to watch in this tournament.
A Look at Sweden
The Swedes are the defending silver medalists after losing to the United States in the final on home soil. Sweden is one of the favourites to win Group B and has plenty of talent. This is a good team that will want to take the next step up the medal podium.
Blues prospect Otto Stenberg will feature along with Nashville Predators draftee David Edstrom and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Felix Unger Sorum will be key pieces for the Swedes.
Prediction
Slovakia is now slouch, but Sweden is one a mission to end their 12-year gold medal drought.
Prediction: Sweden wins 4-2.
Germany vs United States
Time: 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
A Look at Germany
Our featured game of WJC predictions has Germany taking on the defending champion USA. The Germans have seen incredible growth in their program. However, taking on the Americans is a different animal. Sabres draftee Norwin Panocha is the only NHL drafted player on the roster. He’ll be needed to shoulder the load if Germany wants a quarterfinal spot.
Losing Detroit Red Wings selection Kevin Bicker will hurt their scoring pop. David Lewandowski is a 2025 eligible choice and will need to be an important cog in the offence.
A Look at Team USA
James Hagens is the man people are talking about. However, the Americans have a loaded roster. The defending champs can score, but defence and goaltending are also experienced. Minnesota Wild choice Zeev Buium will power the defence while Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine is in goal for the third straight year.
However, the offence is still solid for the Americans. New York Rangers sniper Gabe Perreault and captain Ryan Leonard will be powering the attack along with Hagens. Depth will make the Americans tough, but Group A is pretty stacked.
Prediction
Germany will put a strong effort out. However, the United States will use its depth to wear down the Germans.
Prediction: United States win 5-2.
Main photo by: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The post WJC Predictions: Dec 26 Germany vs United States appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.