GDT: Group A • Dec. 26 • Finland vs. USA

[sjci]

Definitely surprised to see De Leo on the top line with Eichel-Tuch. Don't know if that will last the whole tournament, but it's an interesting combo.

 

[Czech Yourself Pal]

You Finnish fans need to give your team more credit.. They can beat anyone.

 

[FinPanda]

You Finnish fans need to give your team more credit.. They can beat anyone.

Anyone but USA. Thats how I see it.

 

[ProgOg]

USA is great but they only dominate the u18s because they play with each other all year long, while the other teams have to come together quickly and find some chemistry.

I personally would be more afraid of Canada but both teams look incredibly dangerous.

Canada has the potential to have the most impressive team almost every year, but their lineup decisions always seem so self-destructive. Would anybody be surprised if they flame out again?

 

[czechcanadian]

Canada has the potential to have the most impressive team almost every year, but their lineup decisions always seem so self-destructive. Would anybody be surprised if they flame out again?

This year seems to have a different feel. Good chemistry and having Duclair and Lazar from the NHL is a huge boost. More talent on this team than previous years I believe, plus Connor McDavid. If they fail it will be more of a surprise then other years. to me anyways.

 

[Michael Brand Eggs]

Definitely surprised to see De Leo on the top line with Eichel-Tuch. Don't know if that will last the whole tournament, but it's an interesting combo.

They must truly think that anybody at all can ride shotgun with those two. Seems kind of questionable.

 

[f1nn]

You Finnish fans need to give your team more credit.. They can beat anyone.

You must not be too familiar with Finnish people or Finnish hockey fans

We have great pride for the players we produce and overhype them like no other.. but we are, generally speaking, pessimists.. On top of that we thrive in the underdog role and that is where we want /need to be to succeed... So a lot of the predictions are either "oh we're gonna screw it up again" or "maybe if I make it sound hopeless for our team it'll give us the extra push"

Now the latter makes no sense in this regard as I highly doubt the team is reading this thread and thinking "omg no one believes in us" but Finnish culture is quite strongly "no one believes us? well let's put it all out there and show them" so for many Finnish fans the worst thing you can do is to say "WOW! you guys are gonna win some games with this team!!"

As for my prediction, I don't think it fits either of those as I'm quite an optimistic person and I do have belief the Finns can win.. But in reality, the US team is really impressive and either way I'm happy to see how our boys hold up!

 

[EON]

not sure about USA's defense without Santini.

But the offense is so talented. Pretty confident in net with Demko and Ned.

I'll say 4-2 USA, Fins are always tough though.

 

[m4tt145]

Husso is also a great goalie, they will depend on him a lot.

I think Finland takes this on OT. Pretty low score.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

They must truly think that anybody at all can ride shotgun with those two. Seems kind of questionable.

This implies De Leo is a scrub. He's a versatile player who is skilled enough to fit in on any line.

 

[Filatov2Kovalev2Bonk]

Finns 4-2. I hope one of the Canada/U.S. fails to medal for maximum hand-wringing and panic. Always pull for Finland in these events, after Canada of course, but Canada seems boringly strong this time.

 

[New Jack City]

will they roll four lines throughout the game?

 

[UvBnDatsyuked]

Canada has the potential to have the most impressive team almost every year, but their lineup decisions always seem so self-destructive. Would anybody be surprised if they flame out again?

It is very rare to not have a year at this tourney where a top three favorite or THE TOP favorite doesn't flame out. After the last few years I do not think anyone here wants their country to go in as heavy favorites because a dark horse takes them down.

 

[euro]

I Will be there for my first ever live world junior , i expect a big game from the u.s.

 

[lakai17]

Finland 4-1

Ikonen hat-trick

 

[Czech Yourself Pal]

Finlands history with USA isn't good so they scare me more than Canada.

Finland is 18-13-1 vs USA all time. Finlands record vs Canada isn't good.

 

[Garyboy]

I'll go with 5-1 USA.

 

[Atoyot]

They must truly think that anybody at all can ride shotgun with those two. Seems kind of questionable.

Kind of an unnecessary knock on De Leo. He has a ton of skill he's just small. He won't look out of place with Eichel and Tuch.

 

[ecemleafs]

is NHL.com streaming the USA games?

 

[Toffu]

Easy one, russians are so distracted.

 

[SanDogBrewin]

is NHL.com streaming the USA games?

Says they are.

 

[goon]

Nick Schmaltz Set to Compete in World Junior Championship

 

[Luca]

Usa will win something like 6-1.

 

[Kharkov]

Finland is 18-13-1 vs USA all time.

Thats surprising.

USA wins 4-1.

 

[Michael Brand Eggs]

Kind of an unnecessary knock on De Leo. He has a ton of skill he's just small. He won't look out of place with Eichel and Tuch.

I'm not saying he's a bad player, but he's been a scratch/4th line guy to this point. You'd think they'd want to give top line LW duties to somebody more established.