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New Year’s Eve Marks Crucial Matchups in the WJHC
New Year’s Eve has some awesome matchups on hand at the World Juniors. Who do you have finishing first in each group?
This 2024 version of the World Juniors Championship Tournament is arguably the most entertaining tournament we have had in years. Currently, there is no favorite to win, and New Year’s Eve marks the final day of the preliminary round. Today, we will distribute some crucial points to help determine the quarterfinal matchups.
Group A First Place Up For Grabs
Today marks two matchups for Group A, including Finland versus Latvia and Canada versus USA in the late game. Both of these games will determine the top four places in the group.
Finland vs. Latvia
Finland and Latvia both have a chance at finishing in second place, which is ideal for both squads. Although it remains a long shot for Latvia, getting three wins in the preliminary round would be significant for the growth of hockey in Latvia. Finland is still the favorite to win, but Latvia has already shocked thousands of people in this tournament.
Canada vs. USA
Canada versus the United States is the most highly anticipated matchup of the preliminary round. The winner of this game will secure the top spot in the group and earn a more favorable matchup against a lower seed in the quarterfinals.
Canada enters the game following two underwhelming performances against Latvia and Germany. This matchup will be a true test of their character and ability to fight off some disappointing results. To overcome the United States, Canada’s offense must step up and deliver a stronger performance.
All eyes will be on Gavin McKenna to ignite Canada’s attack and provide the spark they need. Meanwhile, the United States is coming off a thrilling overtime loss to Finland, where Tuomas Uronen scored the decisive goal.
Carter George has been solid for Canada and goaltending has been a concern for Team USA, adding intrigue to who gets the start in net. Trey Augustine, a key figure in last year’s gold medal run, has struggled so far.
With both teams eager to rebound, tonight’s clash between these rivals promises to be a must-watch battle.
Group B Has a Simpler Outcome
The crucial matchup in Group B will determine who moves on to the quarterfinals and who goes to the regulation game.
Switzerland vs. Kazakhstan
The first game of the day features Team Switzerland taking on Kazakhstan. Switzerland currently sits at the bottom of the standings with zero points, while Kazakhstan earned a point in a thrilling overtime loss to Slovakia. That game saw Kazakhstan score two shorthanded goals in the final five minutes to force overtime.
Underdog teams have provided some of the most exciting moments in the tournament, and Switzerland is no exception. They gave Team Sweden a scare by scoring three unanswered goals in the third period before ultimately falling short. Both Switzerland and Kazakhstan will be eager to prove who wants it more in today’s matchup.
Sweden vs. Czechia
The second Group B matchup features Sweden and Czechia in a battle for first place, as both teams remain undefeated. This highly anticipated showdown features four of the tournament’s top five scorers.
Czechia forwards Vojtech Hradec and Jakub Stancl are tied for the scoring lead, while Swedish defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka has also been dominant offensively. In goal, Utah Hockey Club prospect Michael Hrabal has been stellar for Czechia, posting a .943 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average.
Both teams have been consistent and impressive, but today’s matchup will be their toughest test yet. This is the third game scheduled for today, leading up to the marquee showdown between Canada and the USA.
Which of these crucial matchups are you most excited to watch?
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