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 Sweden vs Czechia. Be sure to check out more WJC predictions in the coming days as the 2025 event continues.
Time: Noon Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
We open WJC Predictions with Switzerland vs Kazakhstan in the Group B finale for both teams. This is an important game to see who goes to the quarterfinal round. Switzerland has yet to record a point so far in this tournament. However, the Swiss did show some fight against Sweden on Sunday. Leo Braillard and Kimo Gruber have played well so far for the Swiss.
Kazakhstan took Slovakia to overtime before falling into the last game, 5-4. The Kazakhs have endeared themselves to the Canadian crowd and could clinch an unlikely spot in the quarterfinals with a victory. Kirill Lyapunov and Artur Gross each have a pair of goals in this tournament.
It’s been a nice run for Kazakhstan, but Switzerland books its spot in the quarterfinals with a win.
Prediction: Switzerland wins 5-3.
Time: 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN; NHL Network (NHLN will air game at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 1)
The next game of our WJC predictions has surprising Latvia taking on Finland. We’ll get to see Latvia in the quarterfinal round after beating Germany on Monday. Bruno Osmanis has been excellent this tournament for the Latvians. However, it’s been a heck of a tournament for Linards Feldbergs in between the pipes.
Finland has all to play for as to improve its matchup for the quarterfinal. We’ve seen the best of the Finns in beating the defending champion United States. However, they did lose to Canada in the opening game. Scoring has been spread out for Finland, but players like Nashville Predators pick Jesse Kiiskinen have been standouts on the offensive end.
Latvia is playing with house money, but will give Finland a tough time.
Prediction: Finland wins 3-2.
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
Our featured game of WJC predictions has Sweden and Czechia jockeying for control of Group B. Sweden is led by Detroit Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka is tied for the top point-getter in the tournament with seven. David Granberg has also had a solid tournament for the Swedes with six points.
Czechia comes in with St Louis Blues pick Jakub Stancl and Utah Hockey Club choice Vojtech Hradec are tied with Sandin-Pellikka for first in points for the tournament coming into this game. The Czechs had a feisty game against rival Slovakia the last time out.
This should be a good and Sweden was a bit shaky towards the end against Switzerland. However, the Swedes should earn the victory.
Prediction: Sweden wins 4-3.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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