World Junior Championship Predictions: Switzerland vs Germany

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, our featured game will take a look at a key Group A game between Switzerland and Germany.

World Junior Championship Predictions

Switzerland vs Germany

How to Watch:

US TV: NHL Network

Canada TV: TSN

Time:  2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Where: Grand Casino Arena (St. Paul, Minn.)

We start off this round of World Junior Championship predictions with our featured contest between Switzerland and Germany. Both teams are trying to break into the win column and avoid the one-game relegation playoff against the bottom team in Group B. Anything can happen in a one-game scenario, so both teams are trying to avoid that.

Switzerland and Germany have yet to secure a victory, but the Swiss seem more equipped to get that coveted quarterfinal spot. The Swiss pushed both the United States and Sweden in close games before falling at the end. Washington Capitals draft pick Leon Muggli has two assists so far this tournament.

Germany is trying to recover from an 8-1 drubbing at the hands of Sweden. The Germans have given up 18 goals across three games, which works out to six goals allowed per game. Germany’s strong start against the host U.S. team is a distant memory.

Duston Willhoft has been a bright spot so far this tournament with three points. Goalies like Linus Vielliard will need better support from the defence in front of him in order to give the Germans a shot at avoiding the relegation round. However, the Swiss get the job done.

Prediction: Switzerland wins 4-2.

Latvia vs Denmark

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 last game of this round of World Junior Championship predictions is a Group B edition of avoiding the relegation round. Both Latvia and Denmark are trying to extend their respective stays in the top tier of the junior ranks.

Latvia showed plenty of grit in forcing Canada to overtime in its quest for a second consecutive upset. However, the Latvians were shelled, 8-0, by Finland in the game after that. Draft eligible prospect Rudolfs Berzkalns has three points while Nils Maurins has a 1.98 goal-against-average and befuddled the Canadians.

Denmark is trying recover after a 9-1 drubbing at the hands of Canda. The Danes have struggled in their first year back in the top division with 22 goals allowed in three games.

William Bungaard has been a bright spot so far for Denmark. However, the defence will have to steady itself if the Danes have any desire of springing the upset. However, Latvia seems ready to make it to the quarterfinal round again and give a headache to whoever it draws in the elimination round.

Prediction: Latvia wins 4-2.

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