World Junior Hockey Championship Prediction: Canada vs. Germany

Canada opens defence of its World Junior Hockey Championship title under unusual conditions as it kicks off tournament play Saturday against Germany. Yet another stacked Canadian team is an overwhelming favourite to repeat as champion in a tournament overshadowed by the spectre of COVID-19, which has already played havoc with the pre-tournament schedule. This year’s will also be played behind closed doors, with no outside spectators present.

2021 IIHF World Junior Championship Odds

It’s no surprise to see the Canadian team as a heavy favourite to prevail in its tourney opener. Canada has dominated the Germans in four meetings since 2012, winning all four handily while outscoring their opponents by an incredible 24-6 margin. That said, Germany was much more competitive last time out, limiting Canada to a 4-1 triumph last Dec. 30. They earned their spot in the 2021 tournament after outlasting Kazakhstan in the 2020 relegation round.

Getting off to a good start will be pivotal for a Canadian team that comes in as a -303 favourite to finish atop the Group A standings on the World Junior Hockey Championship odds board, with Finland (+250) the only other team expected to mount a challenge in that regard. The Germans, meanwhile, would likely be delighted just to find a way to qualify for next year’s tournament, coming in at +2200 to win the group (ahead of only Slovakia at +4000). The Germans are whopping +2300 underdogs for Friday’s game.

Team Germany

While having to play in the relegation round was undoubtedly a disappointment for last year’s German team, there were positives – including an upset win over the host Czech Republic. Germany welcomes three returning players to Edmonton, and will be led by standout Ottawa Senators prospect Tim Stuetzle. The third overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft was one of the top players in Germany’s top league last year, and should make an immediate NHL impact.

Team Canada

This might be one of the best Canadian entries in history, but it could be without one of its top players right out of the gate. Forward Kirby Dach suffered an undisclosed injury following an awkward collision in Canada’s 1-0 pre-tournament win over Russia, and required X-rays after the game. Dach is the only player on the team with significant NHL experience, having scored eight goals and 23 points in 64 games with the Chicago Blackhawks last season.

Germany vs. Canada World Junior Hockey Prediction

Canada 7, Germany 1