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 Switzerland. Be sure to check out more WJC predictions in the coming days as the 2025 event continues.
WJC Predictions
Germany vs Kazakhstan
Time: 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN+
We open up WJC predictions with the relegation game between Germany and Kazakhstan. Both teams at the bottom of their respective groups. The two teams did get points by notching overtime points in the preliminary round.
Germany is having a down year and is fighting to stay in the top group for next year’s tournament. Julius Sumpf has been a bright spot for the Germans and has a goal and three assists for four points. David Lewandowski is the next-highest scorer with two goals.
Kazakhstan didn’t have the best start coming into this event, but has played hard. The Kazakhs pushed Slovakia to overtime, but lost that game. Kirill Lyapunov has been very good in this tournament with three goals for his home country.
One-off games can be tough to gauge, but Germany stays in the top group for another year.
Prediction: Germany wins 3-2.
Sweden vs Latvia
Time: Noon Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
We open the quarterfinal round with Group B winners Sweden facing Latvia. The Swedes grabbed top spot in the group with a 4-2 victory over Czechia to round the opening round out. Detroit Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka is tied for the tournament-lead in points with eight so far. However, other players like Buffalo Sabres draftee Anton Wahlberg and David Granberg have each collected six points.
Latvia may have finished fourth in Group A. However, this country is no pushover. The Latvians beat Germany and host Canada to book a quarterfinal spot. Bruno Osmanis and Eriks Mateiko have had breakout performances for their home nation. Goalie Linards Feldbergs has posted a .926 save percentage.
This won’t be an easy game for Sweden. However, the Swedes offensive talent gets them the win.
Prediction: Sweden wins 4-2.
United States vs Switzerland
Time: 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN3; TSN4; TSN5
We close out WJC predictions with our featured game between the United States and Switzerland in the quarterfinals. The defending champion Americans are paced by tournament co-leader Cole Hutson. This Washington Capitals prospect is tied with Sandin-Pellikka for the lead in points with eight. Red Wings pick Trey Augustine settled in after a shaky start to the tournament. The United States has plenty of scoring depth and speed to burn.
Switzerland pushed past Kazakhstan to cement a spot in the quarterfinals last time out. The Swiss did put up some goals in their matchup against Sweden earlier in the tournament. Switzerland has distributed its points pretty well with Capitals prospect Leon Muggli as one of a number of players with three points.
The Americans have plenty of firepower, but their teams have often stumbled in the knockout round after great group stages. However, they’ll possibly book a rematch with Canada.
Prediction: United States wins 4-1.
Main photo by: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The post WJC Predictions: Jan 2 United States vs Switzerland appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.