Welcome to Last Word On Hockey’s editions of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships predictions. Throughout the tournament our team will break down key matchups, storylines and stats, then make a prediction on how the game will play out. You can also check out our NHL editions. For this edition, we’ll take a look at the second game of the tournament for both Sweden and Switzerland.
World Junior Championship Predictions
Sweden vs Switzerland
US TV: NHL Network
Canada TV: TSN
Time: 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Where: Grand Casino Arena (St. Paul, Minn.)
Our opening and featured game of our World Junior Championship predictions has Sweden taking on Switzerland in the second game of the tournament for both nations. However, Sweden has the benefit of resting on Saturday after winning on Friday afternoon.
Sweden scratched out a 3-2 victory over Slovakia in the first game of this year’s event. Top prospect Ivar Stenberg and Chicago Blackhawks choice Anton Frondell each recorded a goal and an assist in the win. St Louis Blues prospect Love Harenstam stopped 23 shots to help Sweden get the victory over a very tough Slovakian side.
However, Sweden should not look past the Swiss in this game. Switzerland gave the host and defending back-to-back champion United States a difficult time before eventually falling in a hard-fought 2-1 games. Vancouver Canucks prospect Basile Sansonnens scored, and San Jose Sharks draftee Christian Kirsch made 18 saves in the loss.
Sweden did get by Slovakia, but Switzerland had good defensive structure against Team USA. However, the Swedes offensive firepower should allow them to get a close victory to start their campaign at 2-0.
Prediction: Sweden wins 4-2.
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’HsG4ofrZTUtHdKysWPz5UQ’,sig:’emwVzTivT5cX48wuLyDVEkXk1LNDuWUJEBlNNVtKFQk=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2252873882′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});
Latvia vs Finland
How to Watch:
US TV: NHL Network
Canada TV: TSN
Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Where: 3M Arena at Mariucci (Minneapolis)
Our second and final game of this round of World Junior Championship predictions is another all-European affair between Latvia and Finland. Both teams are also playing their second game of the tournament. However, Finland was off on Saturday.
Latvia almost pulled off the upset once against Canada. However, Montreal Canadiens selection Michael Hage dashed the Latvians’ hopes off pulling off a second consecutive upset against the Canadians. Rudolfs Berzkalns, who is a 2026 NHL Draft eligible prospect, scored and Nils Maurins kept things close with 36 saves.
Finland had lost its last four tournament-openers before dispatching upstart Denmark, 6-2. Roope Vesterinen supplied a pair of goals, while Ottawa 67s forward Jasper Kuhta dished out three assists. Los Angeles Kings draft pick Petteri Rimpinen only needed to make eight saves to get the win. However, he’ll have to improve if Finland wants to go far in the tournament.
Latvia won’t be an easy out, as it proved against Canada. However, Finland is a squad that usually improves the deeper it gets into tournaments.
Prediction: Finland wins 3-2.
Main photo by: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.