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 United States vs Latvia. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
WJC Predictions
Czechia vs Kazakhstan
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN; NHL Network
A Look at Czechia
The Czechs are coming off a 5-1 victory over Switzerland to start the tournament. St Louis Blues prospect Jakub Stancl recorded a goal and an assist for the Czechs in the opening game. Utah Hockey Club draftee Michael Hrabal was solid in net.
Czechia will be the prohibitive favourite against Kazakhstan. However, they won’t take their opponents lightly in this one. The Czechs could also fatten up their goal differential like Sweden did. One hopes the Czechs aren’t looking too far ahead to the next game.
A Look at Kazakhstan
It was a big moment to see Kazakhstan return to the top pool for this tournament. However, that good feeling was silenced when Sweden laid an 8-1 drubbing on the Kazakhs. Artur Gross did score, but that was really the only highlight.
Things won’t get easier for Kazakhstan against a talented Czechia squad. We could be in for another long day at the office for Kazakhstan.
Prediction
Czechia will want to get ready for the big rivalry game with Slovakia and should get the win.
Prediction: Czechia wins 6-1.
Latvia vs United States
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN; NHL Network
A Look at Latvia
Latvia stunned the hockey world with a 3-2 shootout victory over host Canada the night before. The Latvians hung around and tied the game twice before taking the game in the shootout.
Linards Feldbergs made 55 saves for Latvia to score one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. However, it doesn’t get any easier with a short turnaround against another tournament favourite.
A Look at the United States
The defending champions powered past Germany for a 10-4 victory in their tournament opener. New York Rangers prospect Gabe Perreault, who is the son of NHLer Yanic Perreault, netted two goals and an assist in the opener.
Detroit Red Wings pick Trey Augustine was in net last time out. The defence did have some lapses against Germany and will need to tighten things up at the back against Finland and Canada in later games.
Prediction
This won’t be an easy game for the Untied States. Latvia is a hard-working team and is pretty sound on the defensive end. However, the offensive skill players will carry the Americans to a tight victory.
Prediction: United States win 4-2.
Main photo by: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The post WJC Predictions: Dec 28 Latvia vs United States appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.