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 Canada. Be sure to check out more WJC predictions in the coming days as the 2025 event continues.
Time: 7:30 Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
The United States opened the tournament with a dominant 10-4 victory over Germany. They followed this effort with a 5-1 victory over Latvia. However, they suffered their first defeat Sunday in their third contest, losing 4-3 in overtime to Finland. USA and Canada battle on New Year’s Eve for the top spot in group A in a highly anticipated matchup.
The U.S. team is led by Captain Ryan Leonard who is lined up with his fellow Boston College Eagle’s James Hagens and Gabe Perreault. The trio has dominated at the NCAA level and continued their dominance throughout the tournament so far. They have combined for 13 total points in three games and will be the key to Team USA’s success if they want to beat their rival, Canada, in this marquee matchup.
Canada cruised in their first matchup of the tournament, getting the best of Finland in a 4-0 shutout victory. They were shocked in the second game as they blew two one-goal leads in the third period, falling to Latvia 3-2 in a shootout. They did find their groove again as they bounced back with another shutout win over Germany in their third contest.
All eyes are on young gun Gavin Mckenna, as the highly anticipated prospect is already being pinned as the consensus first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft. Mckenna hasn’t exactly been lighting it up like he was anticipated to but yet again, he just turned 17. Canada’s scoring touch hasn’t been what it typically is. Despite that, their stellar goaltending and great defense have been a driving force to their success in the tournament thus far.
This historic rivalry will give us yet another great matchup. As the top overall prospects from the next two drafts will be going head-to-head. The United States’ ability to put the puck in the net will overwhelm the Canadians and crack their young goalie early. If the Canadians can jump out to an early lead, it will be a little trouble as the U.S. isn’t as comfortable playing from behind.
Prediction: United States wins 5-3
Main Photo: David Reginek-Imagn Images
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