2019 World Junior Hockey Championship: Day 2 schedule, predictions

Here’s everything you need to know about Day 2 of the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship, including the TV schedule and predictions for each game.

The 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship got off to a strong start during its opening day. The Czech Republic topped Switzerland in overtime in the first game. Team USA got revenge of Slovakia for last year, defeating them 2-1. Canada put on a highlight reel against Denmark, beating them 14-0. Finally, Sweden won their 45th straight group stage game, topping Finland 2-1.

Thursday’s action has a very high bar to live up to. There will be four games on the second day of the 2019 WJC, each featuring at least one of the top teams in the world. Let’s take a look at the schedule.

Russia Vs. Denmark – 4:00 p.m. ET

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Fans will get their first look at Russia, who finished in fifth place last year. They’ll be icing a very young, but extremely good team. St. Louis Blues prospect Klim Kostin is the lone returning player from their 2018 team, but they’ll ice a team with 11 draft picks, including 2018 first-rounders Vitali Kravtsov, Alexander Alexeyev, and Grigoria Denisenko.

You have to feel bad for Denmark. They don’t even get 24 hours to rest after getting slaughtered by Canada before having to face Russia. Vegas Golden Knights forward Jonas Rondbjerg was great against Canada, but that’s about it.

Prediction: Russia wins.

Slovakia vs. Sweden – 6:30 p.m. ET

Slovakia blew a 1-0 lead in the third period to lose to Team USA on Wednesday. The defensively-minded Slovaks will look to get a much-needed win. Much like yesterday, they are the clear underdogs.

Meanwhile, Sweden’s looking to win their 46th (!!!!!!!!!!) straight preliminary round game. Think about that. They’ve gone half a full NHL season without losing. That’s pretty insane. The last time they lost in the preliminary round was in 2006. Sweden has an especially impressive blueline, led by captain (and Golden Knights prospect) Erik Brannstrom, who scored both of their goals against Finland. All but four of the players on their roster are NHL draft picks.

Prediction: Sweden wins.

Switzerland Vs. Canada – 8:00 p.m. ET

Switzerland is coming off a rough loss to the Czech Republic in overtime. They did, however, look very impressive. They could play spoilers if Canada isn’t careful. Though the Swiss will likely not have Luca Hollenstein starting in goal since he played on Wednesday, they have two other capable goaltenders.

Canada came into the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship as the favorites. They proved why against Denmark. Goaltender (and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect) Ian Scott will get a chance to earn the starter spot, though he’s going to have to wrestle it away from Michael DiPietro. Only two of their skaters failed to get a point against Denmark.

Prediction: Canada wins.

Finland vs. Kazakhstan – 10:30 p.m. ET

Looking for a huge underdog to root for? Kazakhstan is the World Juniors equivalent of the Jamaica bobsled team. This is their first World Juniors appearance since 2009. While they don’t have any NHL draft picks, they’ve got a lot of chemistry, which is something most teams don’t have. That said, Kazakhstan’s going to have a tough time getting even one win in a very tough Group B.

Finland will be hoping to get a win after a very close loss to Sweden. They’ve got a lot of depth and more skill, so expect them to win.

Prediction: Finland wins.

For more 2019 World Junior Championship coverage, check out our International Tournaments page!