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 Czechia. Be sure to check out more WJC predictions in the coming days as the 2025 event continues.
WJC Predictions
Finland vs Sweden
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
We open WJC predictions with the first semifinal game between Finland and Sweden. The Scandinavian rivals will duke it out for a spot in the gold-medal game on Sunday. Finland did win the last meeting in tournament play with a 5-4 shootout victory.
The Finns are paced on offence by Nashville Predators draft choice Jesse Kiiskinen, who has five points coming into the semifinals. Finland does have a strong goalie in Petteri Rimpinen and his 2.01 goals-against-average and .941 save percentage.
Sweden is looking to book another trip to the final for the second straight year. Detroit Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka is tied for the tournament lead in points with nine. Buffalo Sabres draftee Anton Wahlberg has also been outstanding in this tournament.
These games are tough to pick, but Sweden gets a chance to get gold.
Prediction: Sweden wins 4-2.
United States vs Czechia
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
The featured game of WJC predictions is the United States battling Czechia. We get a rematch of last year’s group play game that the Americans won in a shootout. The winners will play at 7:30 p.m. Sunday night in Ottawa.
We’ve seen plenty of offence from the defending champions this tournament. Potential top pick James Hagens and Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson share the team’s lead in points with eight. Red Wings selection Trey Augustine has been solid in goal in recent games.
Czechia eliminated Canada at the quarterfinal stage for the second straight year in a wild finish. The Czechs are paced by St Louis Blues prospect Jakub Stancl and Seattle Kraken choice Eduard Sale. However, they also have a solid goalie Michael Hrabal, who is a Utah Hockey Club prospect.
This should be a heavyweight fight, but the Americans scratch out a win.
Prediction: United States wins 3-2.
Main photo by: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The post WJC Predictions: Jan 4 United States vs Czechia appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.