World Junior Hockey Championship Prediction: Czech Republic vs. Canada

Andrew Rogers
January 2, 2021

Canada is coming off a dominant run through the round-robin stage, outscoring the opposition by a 33-4 margin. The Czechs finished with two wins and two losses to go along with a minus-4 goal differential in Group B.

2021 IIHF World Junior Championship Odds

This one isn’t expected to be close, with Canada facing -3333 odds to win in regulation. The puckline bet is where most bettors will be searching for value here, and it currently sits at a whopping -4.5 (-125). It’s worth noting here that, while the Canadians steamrolled through the competition in Group A, only two of its victories came by more than five goals: a 16-2 thumping of Germany to open the tournament, and a 10-0 drubbing of Switzerland.

The total is the other intriguing play Saturday, and it’s set at 6.5 (with the Over at -152 and the Under at +110). Two of Canada’s four matches (the aforementioned blowouts) finished above the number, while the Czech Republic went 3-1 O/U in its four round-robin games (including a 7-0 victory over Austria on Thursday that secured them a spot in the elimination round). Three of the past four meetings between the Canadians and Czechs have featured 8+ goals.

Here’s a look at the Sports Interaction World Junior Hockey Championship odds board.

Team Czech Republic

It has been a topsy-turvy tournament for the Czechs, who posted a pair of shutouts while allowing a whopping 14 goals in their two defeats. They are led offensively by Martin Lang, who plays for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. Lang has three goals and an assist in four tournament appearances, and scored twice in the one-sided win over Austria. The Czechs hope to build momentum from that win after outshooting the Austrians 61-15.

Team Canada

The Canadians passed their first true test of the world junior tournament in their Group A finale, cruising to a 4-1 win over Finland to complete an incredible four-game prep for the elimination round. Dylan Cozens continues to be the star attraction for Canada’s potent offence, sitting second in tournament scoring with 11 points in four games. He also had a goal in last year’s 7-2 win over the Czechs as Canada humbled the hosts en route to the tournament title.