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World Juniors Day 2 Preview

Today should be better for the Slovaks because it has to be.
Today should be better for the Slovaks because it has to be.
Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

There are four games on the docket today for the World Juniors, with three of them televised on the NHL Network. Team USA gets the day off today, but there are some really good match-ups.

Denmark vs. Sweden 1pm NHL Network

After looking brutal against Canada and the United States in pre-tournament exhibitions, Sweden put together a nice 5-2 win over Czech Republic yesterday to start the tournament off on the right foot. Denmark, meanwhile, couldn't hold onto a 2-0 lead on Russia, but did at least manage a point in the game by taking the game to a shootout.

The Swedes are definitely the favorites here, but Denmark should have an edge in goal, and if the Danes top line can come through with some offense, they have another chance at pulling off an upset.

Slovakia vs. Finland 4pm

Slovakia got embarrassed last night in a blow-out loss to Canada. Today's game against Finland should be closer since the Finns don't have as much offensive firepower, but Finland should be able to pick up their first win of the tournament.

Czech Republic vs. Switzerland 5pm NHL Network

This is a very interesting game. Historically, one would think the Czechs should be favored, but Switzerland has been growing as a hockey power in recent years. The fight to see who finishes fifth and in the relegation round out of Group A will be a fierce one, especially with Denmark showing they're legit by taking a point off Russia. This should be a very close game, and could be a game we look back at as key in determining who plays to avoid relegation.

Germany vs. Canada 8pm NHL Network

As ugly and lopsided as last night's Canada game was, this one could be even worse. Canada has the potential to hit double digits tonight if they play with the same fire they did last night.

Standings

R Team GP W OTW OTL L GF:GA PTS
Group A
1 CAN 1 1 0 0 0 8:0 3
2 USA 1 0 1 0 0 2:1 2
3 FIN 1 0 0 1 0 1:2 1
4 SVK 1 0 0 0 1 0:8 0
- GER 0 0 0 0 0 0:0 0
Group B
1 SWE 1 1 0 0 0 5:2 3
2 RUS 1 0 1 0 0 3:2 2
3 DEN 1 0 0 1 0 2:3 1
4 CZE 1 0 0 0 1 2:5 0
- SUI 0 0 0 0 0 0:0 0