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 Finland. Be sure to check out more WJC predictions in the coming days as the 2025 event continues.
Also check out the later edition of the WJC predictions featuring the evening session of games.
WJC Predictions
Sweden vs Switzerland
Time: Noon Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
Sweden So Far
We start off WJC predictions with Sweden taking on Switzerland in this Group B game. Sweden is coming into the game with a pair of victories to top the group. The Swedes look like a medal favourite, but know the Swiss are a tough side.
Detroit Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka has been one of the tournament’s top scorers with three goals and an assist. Buffalo Sabres draftee Anton Wahlberg is also among the tourney’s leaders in points so far.
Switzerland So Far
The Swiss come into this game with a pair of losses to both Czechia and Slovakia. Offence has been a problem as Switzerland has only scored once in each game. Switzerland played better against Slovakia, but still came away with a loss.
The Swiss still have a chance to make the quarterfinals, but will likely draw one of the heavyweights in that round.
Prediction
Sweden looks like it could win the group, so they should get the victory. A Sweden win could set up a showdown with Czechia for control of Group B on Tuesday afternoon.
Prediction: Sweden wins 5-1.
Finland vs United States
Time: 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN4
Finland So Far
Our featured game of WJC predictions has Finland taking on the United States. Finland lost the opener to host Canada. However, they had a nice 3-1 win to bounce back against Germany.
Petteri Rimpinen has been the starter in both games for the Finns. Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Emil Pieniniemi has been one of the better defensive players and has a goal to show for it.
USA So Far
The United States comes into the game as the Group A leaders. We’ve seen the American offence put up 15 goals against Germany and Latvia. However, the degree of difficulty gets harder with games against Finland and Canada.
Washington Capitals pick Cole Hutson leads the team in points. However, projected top overall pick James Hagens has been wowing the crowds in Ottawa as well. USA’s offence has been great, but they can’t get caught looking ahead to Canada.
Prediction
Finland will want to turn this into a grind-it-out game. If the United States gets out to an early lead, it could make the Finns have to play with more offence in mind.
Prediction: United States wins 4-2.
Main photo by: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The post WJC Predictions: Dec 29 United States vs Finland appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.