1. True Test Awaits
Team Canada Vs. Czech Republic (5:00 p.m. ET)
It would be a huge understatement to say that Team Canada has been an absolute juggernaut so far, winning all four games in Group A, scoring 34 goals and allowing just four goals.
Complete and utter dominance.
They boast incredible depth throughout their lineup and there’s no real weaknesses on this roster, with goaltender Devon Levi allowing just three goals on 61 shots, with all three coming on the power play.
Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens has broken out with 11 points (6 G, 5 A) in four games, while Quinton Byfield, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the LA Kings, has also had a strong tournament so far with seven points (2 G, 5 A) in four games.
Defensemen Bowen Byram, Jamie Drysdale and Thomas Harley have all impressed too, and Team Canada just look an absolute juggernaut all over the ice.
However, the real test begins later tonight and Team Canada won’t have it easy against the Czech Republic, who upset Russia in a Shootout while they have been elite as a team at 5-on-5.
They will be far from an easy out and Team Canada will have to elevate its play on the power play having scored just five times from 15 attempts, which isn’t good enough for a roster this talented.
It will be Team Canada’s toughest test of the 2021 World Junior Championship so far, but it would be a massive shock if they didn’t progress to the Semi-Finals and remained on course for a showdown with Team USA.
That’s our four storylines to look out for done and dusted, and we’ll have loads more coverage of the 2021 World Junior Championship in Edmonton over the coming days.