I know I said I would be writing daily predictions on the 2013 World Junior Championships, but Christmas got in the way (that’s not to say I wasn’t watching games and following the tournament, just didn’t get the to computer very much). I’m now back home and will be focusing on this tourney until it’s completion. Tomorrow is Canada’s first big test of the tournament as they are up against a solid American team. Canada has been able to handle their first two tests of Germany and Slovakia fairly easily, while the Americans also crushed the Germans, but lost a tight one to the Russians.
Canada (-1 or -1.5) vs USA
We can all agree that the Canadian team has better individual players than the Americans. That being said it really comes down to which team has come together more to this point. The Americans were in a battle a couple days ago, which could bode well for them heading into this game against Canada. Looking at the scores you might not think Canada has had to overcome adversity, but that is simply not true. The Canadians were down by two goals a two different points in this game and had to really battle in the second half of the game to take control and put goals on the scoreboard. Canada had two 5 minute majors to overcome and they will also be 2 forwards down in this next game as Lipon received a 1 game suspension for his hit against the Slovaks, while Boone Jenner will be wrapping up his suspension for his hit in pre-tournament action.
Malcolm Subban has let 3 goals in against two sub par teams so it will be interesting to see how he is able to do against the Americans tomorrow. On the other end John Gibson has been stellar, getting a shutout against the Germans and then allowing 2 goals on 30 shots vs the Russians.
All of that said I still like Canada to win this game. The NHL talent on the team should be able to take over and control the game, which should result in some quality scoring chances and goals. As long as Subban can keep most of USA’s shots out, Canada should win this game.
You do have to bet puckline on this game. 5Dimes has Canada favoured by 1 goal (-115), while Bet365 has Canada by 1.5 (+110). I prefer going with 5Dimes.eu in this situation, but if you like Canada to win by 2 or more Bet365.com is where you should bet.
Switzerland vs Finland (-1.5)
Switzlerland showed that they are legit bringing Sweden to a shootout in their last game, while the Finns had a let down losing 3-1 against the Czech Republic. That loss makes this game against the Swiss a must win for Finland if they hope to make it to the medal round. I still think Finland is the best team in Group A and I expect a big effort out of them in this one.
Finland -1.5 (-120) @ SportsInteraction.com
Slovakia (-1.5) vs Germany
Slovakia has everything to play for in this game against Germany. If they get the win and Canada beats the USA then it will come down to a Slovakia vs USA clash for 3rd in pool B. Slovakia took Russia to overtime and was up by two goals on Canada twice. They are for real. Germany on the other hand has lost 9-3 to Canada, 8- to USA and 7-0 to Russia. These teams are just on different levels.
Play: Slovakia -1.5 (-167) @ Bet365.com
There are my 3 plays for tomorrow. I like them all a lot. Good luck and check back after tomorrows games for some more predictions (including Canada vs Russia).
Tagged with: Canada • IIHF • USA • World Juniors