It’s been an interesting tournament already for Team Canada at the U-20 World Junior Hockey Championships. With wins over the United States and Germany, Canada is in a great position to move past the round-robin.
However, their 6-0 defeat to Team Russia showed that the great white north is not bulletproof and they could be vulnerable to talented teams. Tomorrow afternoon (eastern time), Canada will face the Czech Republic.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 30th, 7:00 p.m. (EST)
Online bookmaker 10Bet has Canada listed at -410 on the Money Line.
As for the Czech Republic, they are sitting in third place with 4 points. Winning against Canda will be crucial, considering how the Czechs lost against the Americans in overtime today. The Czech Republic stayed alive in the tournament with their overtime loss, but they need to win against the Canadians to move forward.
For Canada, if this contest pushes into overtime, they will automatically clinch a berth into the tournament playoff. Canada could also usurp the Americans for the top spot in Group B with a win over the Czechs. However, if the Czech Republic win in regulation, they would take down Canada for second in Group B.
It will be interesting to see if Alexis Lafreniere suits up against the Czechs. Lafreniere is dealing with an injury at this moment. Whats was originally an injury that could have sidelined him for the tournament, Lafreniere is expected to return at some point over the next few days.
Canada and the Czech Republic both need a victory tomorrow afternoon. Which nation will punch their ticket into the medal round after this games’ score is finalized?
