Canada got their tournament off to a perfect start and will look to continue to dominate at the World Junior Championships when they face off against Slovakia.
Canada defeated Germany 9-3 with an onslaught that saw them score five goals in the second period. Xavier Oullet got the scoring started three minutes into the match and captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored at the midway point of the first to extend the lead 2-0. Canada got the second period off to a solid start with four goals in the first 12 minutes. Mark Schiefele, Jonathan Huberdeaut, Ty Rattie, and Ryan Strome scored the goals. Even though Germany added a couple, Schiefele added another goal with one second left to end the period with a 7-3 lead favoring Canada. Jonathan Drouin and Tyler Wotherspoon added another two goals to cement a domination performance for Canada. Nugent-Hopkins scored five points on the night while Strome and Huberdeau added three points. In total 14 Canadians registered points. Malcolm Subban made 25 saves on 28 shots and will get the call Friday morning.
Their opponents got off to a solid start as well. Slovakia was trailing 2-0 midway through the second against Russia but a second period goal from Matus Matis and a late one from Richard Mraz drew them even and salvaged a point. They eventually lost in overtime, but the point they recouped kept them in fourth place in the group.
Read More on Group B HERE.
Prediction: As they showed Russia, Slovakia is not to be taken lightly. However, Canada should win this one. 4-2 Canada.
Start Time: 4:30 AM EST
TV: TSN (Repeat Broadcast at 12 PM EST and 7:30 PM EST)
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