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.