A year ago, the United States had an opportunity to advanced to the quarter finals on the final day of the group stage. Instead, they crumbled against Canada in the opening period and ended up in the relegation group with their worst position in the World Juniors since 1999. The Americans now face the same scenario after a pair of unfortunate losses.
After an 8-0 destruction of Germany in the opening game, the United States underwent a pair of 2-1 losses to Russia and Canada. In their most recent loss, the Americans surrendered two first period goals to Canada's top centers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Ryan Strome to fall behind 2-0. Despite pummeling Canadian keeper Malcolm Subban with 37 shots, only Jacob Trouba found the back of the net in the third for the United States. Trouba leads all Americans with three goals while linemate Alex Galchenyuk has five points to lead the team.
The match against Slovakia on Monday is all the more pertinent because the Eastern Europeans must also win to move on to the quarter finals. Both teams are tied with three points and the winner automatically books passage to the knockout rounds. Slovakia had a prime chance to solidify their position in the standings when they took on Germany Sunday morning. They had pushed Russia to overtime in their first game and even led Canada 3-1 midway through the second and many thought this was going to be an easy match for Slovakia. However, instead of a blowout, the Slovakians looked disorganized and ineffective against a squad that had allowed 24 goals in their first two matches. Slovakia eventually won in overtime 2-1, but the outcome was in question throughout the game. Germany led after 40 minutes and if not for a Bruno Mraz goal at 4:02 of the third, Slovakia may have lost to Germany.
Predictions: The United States will win. 6-2 United States.
Start Time: 5 AM EST
TV: TSN
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