The qualifying stage for the 2024 World Juniors has ended. After his week of intense competition between the best 10 nations, he is one of only four nations vying for the gold medal. The semifinals are here, with gold medal favorites USA facing Finland. Team USA continues to do well, but in the final round they will face Finland, who defeated Slovakia. Finns are always tough in elimination games. The 2024 World Junior predictions are for the second semi-final match.
2024 World Junior Predictions
USA vs Finland
team usa
The Americans handled themselves well, defeating Latvia 7-2 and earning a spot on home soil. New York Rangers draft pick Gabriel Perreault won Player of the Week honors and was part of the BC line along with Will Smith and Ryan Leonard. The Americans have been scoring goals at will, but their victories weren’t just about offense. Defense and goaltending also played a big role in advancing Team USA to the semifinal round. Jacob Fowler, drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, and Trey Augustin, drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, performed very well in the tournament.
Despite their dominant play, the Americans faced their toughest match of the tournament in pool play against the Czech Republic. The Americans won the shootout and we know the Finns can bring it. Finland conquers Slovakia
Featured players
Rutger McGroarty, a Winnipeg Jets player and University of Michigan standout, had a great performance this tournament. He has already tied last year’s point total of 7. However, compared to his goals in last tournament, he has scored four goals this season. He is just one of many players who can light up Team USA.
Finland
The Finns overcame a slow start to the tournament, suffering their first loss to Germany at the World Juniors. Finland seemed to bounce back from that loss and did not lose again. The Finns ruined a perfect shot by hosts Sweden in the final match of pool play. Team captain Jere Lasila defeated Slovakia in extra time to send his country to the semi-final round.
Finland is willing to work hard to win games. They are very disciplined defensively and play smart in most situations. The loss to Germany seemed to be a wake-up call, but Finland have continued to play well since then.
Noah Barri is likely to start, but it will be a test for the 18-year-old netminder. However, if he performs well here, his draft pick stock will rise even further. The TPS Turku product is perfect for his job to thwart the Americans’ superior scoring ability.
Featured players
Rasila is an absolute stud for his country and should be on the radar in the upcoming NHL Draft. But Kasper Hartunen also had a great tournament. The San Jose Sharks draft pick played in five games for Finland, recording three goals and three assists. Haltunen plays wing for the London Knights and is a large player, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing nearly 200 pounds. He will have to do everything in his power to help his homeland.
prediction
Finland is very good at keeping games tight and keeping scores low. The Americans will want to break out and make this match a track event. Team USA has plenty of speed and can get away with the rush. Finland needs to limit odd chances and avoid going into the penalty area. However, the American team advanced to the gold medal race thanks to their offensive power. The winner of this match will face hosts Sweden or the Czech Republic.
Prediction: Team USA wins 5-3.
Main photo: Scott Wheeler