World Cup Hockey Predictions: USA/Europe, Czech Republic/Canada

World Cup Hockey: Day One Predictions (Team USA vs. Team Europe and Team Czech Republic vs. Team Canada

World Cup Hockey officially kicks off today as round robin play gets underway in Group A. In an afternoon match-up, Team USA takes on Team Europe, while later on, Team Czech Republic square off against host Team Canada.

Make sure to follow us here at Puck Prose today through Thursday (Sept.22) for daily tournament predictions during the preliminary round. We’ll follow it up with a semifinals prediction for action next Saturday/Sunday (Sept.24-25), and then closed out with our best of three final predictions.

Day One Action:

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Team USA vs. Team Europe (3:30 PM EST) – ESPN2 in USA, Sportsnet in Canada

Team Czech Republic vs. Team Canada (8:00 PM EST) – ESPNEWS in USA, Sportsnet in Canada

World Cup Hockey: Day One Predictions

Canadians Dominate Czech Republic With Outstanding Goaltending Performance

Sep 9, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Team Canada goalie Carey Price (31) looks on in the second period against Team USA during a World Cup of Hockey pre-tournament game at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Canadians currently boast the two best goaltenders in the world (Carey Price and Braden Holtby).

Canada turns to Price in their opener and he’s coming off extended rest but looked sharp while shaking the rust off in pre-tournament action. Look for the Montreal netminder to shut the door on a well structured Czech squad. If for some reason Price falters early, coach Mike Babcock has proven in the past that he won’t hesitate to make a change in goal.

Jonathan Quick Carries the Americans to Decisive Win

One could argue that Jonathan Quick was the MVP of the pre-tournament schedule giving the Americans a chance to win every time he was in goal. There’s a reason he has two Stanley Cup rings in recent years and he should make easy work of Team Europe in the opener. Looking a little further down the road, Quick could be the key factor in knocking off the potent Canadian squad.

Canadian Forwards Wear Down the Czech Defense, Floodgates Open in Third Period

Sep 14, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Team Canada center Sidney Crosby (87) awaits a face-off against Team Russia during the third period in a World Cup of Hockey pre-tournament game at CONSOL Energy Center. Team Canada won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The reason the Czech Republic notoriously keep themselves competitive with less talent is because of a well-structured defensive system. It translates to a lot of close one-goal games, which can result in wins (as we saw against Russia in pre-tournament action).

Don’t be surprised if the Czech’s keep this one close through 40 minutes. Unfortunately, there’s far too much speed, grit, and talent on this Canadian roster that is bound to wear down the opposition. The floodgates could open during the final 20 minutes.

Patrick Kane Takes Early Tournament Lead in Points

There’s a hot debate right now north of the border in some circles regarding who the best forward in the NHL is. Naturally, Canadians tend to lean towards Sidney Crosby, referencing his Stanley Cup ring in 2016. Then you’ve got the elusive American Patrick Kane who won the scoring title in 2015-16 topping 100 points.

Regardless of which side you stand, USA’s Patrick Kane draws the easier opening day match-up playing a team that projects to finish last in Group A. The Blackhawks winger should no problem finding the back of the net at least once against Team Europe. It could easily be a multi-point day for Kane.

Next: UFA Dennis Seidenberg Hoping to Earn Contract at World Cup

Result Predictions

USA (5) – Europe (1)
G – Kane (2), Parise, van Riemsdyk, Byfuglien
G – Draisaitl

Canada (5) – Czech Republic (2)
G – Crosby, Perry, Stamkos, Marchand, Burns
G – Cervenka, Plekanec