It’s win-or-go-home time at the IIHF World Junior Championship at the Canadian Tire Centre, and Team Canada takes on Czechia in a quarterfinal bout on Thursday, January 2.
Our Canada vs. Czechia predictions and top hockey picks are calling for the Canadians to advance with a low-scoring win tonight.
Canada vs Czechia odds
 Canada |
 Czechia |
|
|---|---|---|
| -358 | Moneyline | +230 |
| -1.5 (-134) | Spread | +1.5 (-106) |
| Over 5.5 (-154) | Total | Under 5.5 (+115) |
Odds courtesy of bet365 as of 1-2.
Canada vs Czechia picks and predictions
My best bet: Under 5.5 (+115 at bet365)
Team Canada has been a defensive force without a single 5-on-5 goal allowed during this year’s tournament, and No. 1 goalie Carter George paces the tournament with a .964 SV% and 1.01 GAA. George also has a pair of shutouts, and he lands in a sneaky matchup against Czechia tonight.
Czechia has the highest team shooting percentage in the tournament (19.7%), and I’m not anticipating it being replicated tonight against George and the solid 5-on-5 Canadian team defense.
Of course, 19-year-old Michael Hrabal has also been excellent in goal for Czechia in his second stint at the event. He’s posted a rock-solid .926 SV% and 2.36 GAA.
Finally, while Canada definitely has improvement ahead of its tournament-low 5.8 SH%, I’m not anticipating the levee breaking entirely against Czechia tonight.
Canada vs Czechia same-game parlay (SGP)
Canada moneyline
Under 5.5
Berkly Catton anytime goalscorer
Team Canada is a sizable favorite to advance to the semifinals, and while currently being highly criticized, this group has done a lot right. As noted, their 5.8 team shooting percentage is unsustainably low, and there are too many talented scorers for the piss-poor puck luck to continue.
Plus, defensively, they’ve been essentially perfect at 5-on-5.
Turning to center Berkly Catton, he paces the Canadians in shots on goal (22) while averaging the fifth-most ice time per game (15:09) among forwards. He hasn’t found the back of the net through the first four games of the tournament, but he’s positioned to succeed and has the shooting arsenal to cash in.
Catton’s potted 68 goals across his past 96 WHL games, after all.
Canada vs Czechia betting trend to know
The Canadians are the only team in the tournament yet to allow a goal at 5-on-5.
Canada vs Czechia game info
| Location: | Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, CA |
| Date: | Thursday, January 2, 2025 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.<
