World Junior Championships Bronze: Sweden vs USA
Welcome to our 2023 World Junior Championships. We’ve researched every match taking place in the Canadian Maritimes. We’ve tried to give you the information you need to get a head start. Here we look at the World Juniors bronze matchup between Team Sweden and Team USA. Be sure to check out the gold medal game between Canada and the Czech Republic today as well. Thanks for reading for reading our Junior World Cup predictions this tournament.
Predictions for the 2023 Junior World Cup
Sweden vs USA
Both Sweden and the USA had successful tournaments which were then derailed in their respective semi-final matches. Sweden, despite holding a 1-0 lead until the last minute of the match against the Czech Republic, were outplayed. They were outscored by the Czech Republic 14-3 in the final frame, eventually losing in overtime when Jiri Kulich (Buffalo Sabres) scored a goal. On the other hand, USA came out looking like the better team against Canada. They were up 9-0 at one point in shots, and thanks to goals from Logan Cooley and Kenny Connors (Los Angeles Kings), led 2-0. Although Canada ultimately roared back with six unanswered, winning 6-2, knocking the USA into the bronze medal match.
Team USA
Despite being relegated to the bronze medal game, look for Team USA to come out hungry. They showed against the Canadians and throughout the tournament, when their offense goes on the attack, they are dynamic, almost unstoppable and fun to watch. They outscored opponents 32-18 in six games in the tournament. Look for their top line to continue their success. The line off Jimmy Snuggerud (St Louis Blues), Logan Cooley (Arizona Coyotes), and Cutter Gauthier (Philadelphia Flyers) has registered 13 goals. Also, with an assist in the Canadian game, Ryan Ufko (Nashville Predators) continues to lead the charge from the backend with eight assists. Team USA, like Sweden, has been carried by its top goaltender. Even after allowing five goals to Canada, 17-year-old Trey Augustine of the USNDT program still has a solid .915 SV% and a 2.17 GAA.
Team Sweden
For Sweden to walk away with the bronze medal, someone other than their goalkeeper must have a fantastic game. Carl Lindbom (Vegas Golden Knights) has been outstanding for Sweden, and that includes having a shutout going for over 59 minutes against Team Czechia in the semifinals. Lindbom is currently tops in the tournament with a remarkable .941 SV% and two shutouts. If Sweden are to be successful, their top players must turn up for this game. Philip Bystedt (San Jose Sharks) has had a big tournament with two goals and five assists for seven points. Potential top-three pick for this year’s draft, Leo Carlsson has had success. He has chipped in with two goals and two assists. In addition, their defender Ludvig Jansson has had a tremendous tournament with four goals and four assists. The American game plan needs to be aware when their big forward is on the ice. Finally, a player who would like to end on a pile, is Boston Bruins view, Fabian Lysell who is still pointless through six games.
Prediction
Even with the strong goaltending, USA’s forwards are too skilled and dynamic. Look for them to bounce back from a tough loss to Team Canada. When they attack, they attack in waves, and even against Canada they are almost impossible to slow down. They want to prove that they are a dominant team. Look for them to play a game we know they can play. Sweden, they have looked good at times, but still had some difficult games. They only managed a 1-0 win over Germany, thanks to Nikita Quapp (Carolina Hurricanes), and they lost to Canada 5–1 to end the group stage. Canada and the US are very similar, so look for the US to give Sweden a similar fit.
Prediction: USA wins 5-1.
Thanks for checking out our Junior World Cup predictions throughout the tournament.