WJC GDB 3.0: Canada looks to remain undefeated at World Juniors in matchup with Czechia

The Canadians have found their stride — at least, it appears so.

Canada’s tournament opener against Latvia saw them win the game as was expected, but their play was far from where it needed to be. The Latvian’s had played the night before, as well as in some pre-tournament games, so there’s no surprise they had some jump. Canada managed to still put up five goals.

Come Thursday, and Canada was back in the saddle against Slovakia and, well, they looked like Canada. They racked up 11 goals to Slovakia’s one and looked as dominant as you’d expect them to be. Canada came out firing in that game and pushed the pace of play all night long.

Now, tonight, the Canadians are preparing for a 4 p.m. MST matchup with Czechia, who come into tonight’s game with a 1-0-1 record. They won their opening game against Slovakia in a 5-4 back-and-forth game, then fell to Finland 4-3 in the shootout. Canada should be able to have their way with them.

The big storyline so far has been Connor Bedard, but linemate Mason McTavish might have something to say about that. Bedard has scored the opening goal of both of Canada’s games so far and has added in two more assists. He looks incredible, folks, and the release on his shot is already NHL caliber. Impressive stuff from the 17-year-old.

McTavish, meanwhile, had an incredible performance against Slovakia scoring four goals tying a Canadian World Junior record. I doubt he repeats the performance, but it’s clear he’s a massive part of this team and alongside Bedard, Canada has as good of a 1-2 punch as any.

No lineups have been posted yet, but we’ll update them here when they become available.

GAME DAY PREDICTION: Canada comes out with another dominant performance and puts up eight goals.

OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: Connor Bedard scores again.

NOT-SO-OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: Kent Johnson finds the back of the net with his first goal of the tournament and adds in an assist.

 

Want to watch the next generation of hockey stars before they make the show? The World Junior Championship is coming to Edmonton and this is your call to grab tickets! Get your tickets here.