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.
Switzerland vs Germany
Embed from Getty Images
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.
