WJC GDB 5.0: Canada opens World Junior playoffs against Switzerland

Canada kicks off the playoff round of the 2022 summer World Juniors tonight against Switzerland with a 5 p.m. puck drop.

The Canadians have found their stride and routed the Finns to close out the round-robin. Penalties continue to be an issue for Canada having now taken 14 minors through four games. In Monday’s game against Finland, Canada took five penalties including Will Cuylie’s kneeing call that sent the home team to the box for five minutes, and ended the players’ night.

Finland capitalized with a powerplay goal late in the first tightening the score and inducing some sweat on the Canadians’ foreheads. While penalties likely won’t be cause for concern against Switzerland, who has scored just eight goals at the tournament, but if Canada moves on, they’re going to need to clean things up against some of the other top competitors in the tournament.

Offensively, Mason McTavish has been a revelation so far in the tournament scoring seven goals and 13 points through four games — both being tournament highs. He’s formed a potent top line alongside Connor Bedard. While Jeremy Roy had been playing there for most of the tournament, Brennan Othmann drew in on the top line against Finland and fit in well scoring a goal.

We haven’t seen much in the way of lines until close to puck drop, so we’ll see what Dave Cameron has in store tonight.

GAME DAY PREDICTION: Canada rolls once again scoring over five goals for the fifth time in the tournament.

OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: For the first time this tournament, Canada shutouts out their opponent.

NOT-SO-OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: Ridly Greig, who has been having a tremendous tournament, has a two-point game.

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.