Slovakia U20 – Sweden U20: Slovakia scores more than 1.5 goals

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December 26, 2024

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Our tip: Slovakia U20 – Sweden U20: Slovakia will score more than 1.5 goals

26.12.2024 18:00

Slovak hockey players will face a very tough test at the start of the World Junior Championship in the form of a strong Sweden. However, the Slovaks will definitely not sell their skin for free. Although their preparation didn’t go exactly as they had hoped, losing 0:6 to Finland and 2:6 to the United States, the coaching staff didn’t have a full squad at their disposal.

And that includes Dalibor Dvorský, the expected mainstay of the Slovak team at the upcoming tournament. Dvorsky is facing his fourth junior championship and is getting big minutes this season in the tough competition that is the AHL. In the second highest league overseas, which is the path to the NHL, Dvorsky is in decent form, posting an 11+10 record in 27 games. He will be complemented by forward Juraj Pekarcik and offensive back Maxim Štrbák. Slovakia also has some very mature individuals in the squad, such as Miroslav Šatan, son of a former NHL player, who will be expected to play hard.

Sweden lost to Canada 2:4 in the pre-tournament preparation and then went on to beat Germany 11:1. The key for Sweden will be the man in goal and they have a choice of Marcus Gidlof and Melker Thelin, two very good young goaltenders. In addition, the Swedes have a very interesting combination of skilful forwards and offensive backs, which ensures the team’s productivity. All in all, Sweden is expected to win Group A, as the main opponents are in Group B, but the road to the top may be a thorny one. However, it cannot be forgotten that they have nine men in their squad who celebrated winning silver medals at this tournament last year.

What to bet on:

Sweden is the clear favourite for the match, but it may not be so clear-cut. For Slovakia, it will be important for Dvorsky to carry his AHL form into the junior championship. Then it could be very interesting. The Slovaks will score at least two goals in the opening game.

Trust:

7/10

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