After getting shut out by Sweden on Thursday, Canada will look to bounce back in a big way on Sunday, December 31 when they face off against Germany during their final round robin game at the World Junior Hockey Championship.
The Canadians can lock up second place in Group A with a win and build some confidence heading into the quarterfinals with a statement win against the Germans.
Will Canada’s offense return to form in the round robin finale? Keep reading my Canada vs. Germany preview and free betting picks for the World Junior Hockey Championship to find out.
Canada vs Germany odds
Canada | Germany | |
---|---|---|
-10,000 | 3-way (regular time) | +4,000 |
+1,450 | Tie | +1,450 |
-5.5 (-105) | Spread | +5.5 (-135) |
Over 7.5 (-115) | Total | Under 7.5 (-115) |
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction as of December 30, 2023.
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Canada vs Germany picks and predictions
Canada’s last game against Sweden was billed as one of the games to watch of this early WJHC tournament and it certainly lived up to the hype with the hosts skating to a thrilling 2-0 win.
The loss for Canada marked the first time that they were shut out in a WJHC game since a 2-0 defeat to the United States in the 2021 gold medal game. Fortunately for the Canadians, they should be set to end their round robin on a high note as they skate into Sunday’s contest as a huge favorite against Germany.
The Germans had a strong start to their tournament as they earned a 4-3 victory over Finland but have trailed off since then, losing 5-0 to Sweden on Thursday while suffering a disappointing 6-2 defeat to Latvia on Saturday.
Germany’s offense has been a weak point throughout the tournament, registering just six goals in three games, which is tied with Latvia for the fewest among all teams. The Germans have barely mustered any scoring chances, recording just 66 shots on goal – 23 fewer than any other nation.
The Canadians will be determined to bounce back after being shut out in their last contest and should skate to a comfortable victory against the Germans. Considering how uninspired Germany’s offense has looked through three games, I like Canada to post a shutout of their own in this one.
My best bet: Canada to win and allow no goals (+145 at SIA)
Canada vs Germany moneyline & Over/Under analysis
Canada opened as the -10,000 favorite for the second time this tournament, previously holding that distinction in their matchup vs. Latvia. The Canadians have unsurprisingly dominated past meetings against the Germans at the WJHC, skating to an 11-2 win at the 2023 tournament, a 16-2 victory in 2021, and a 4-1 win in 2020.
This is arguably one of the weaker teams that Germany has brought to the WJHC in recent years, boasting just three skaters that have NHL affiliations in defenseman Norwin Panocha (Buffalo Sabres) and forwards Julian Lutz (Arizona Coyotes) and Kevin Bicker (Detroit Red Wings). The 19-year-old Veit Oswald, who plays in the German DEL, is the only player with multiple goals for Germany in this tournament, so it’ll be an uphill battle for them to create much offense in this matchup.
On the Canadian side, 17-year-old Macklin Celebrini has been a standout performer with a team-leading six points – highlighted by a five-point outing against Latvia. Celebrini should have a good chance to pad his totals against Germany, but I’m not sure he and the Canadians will have enough firepower to cash the Over in this one.
The total was set at a lofty 7.5 goals and while Canada has the clear edge, the Germans haven’t been completely blown out yet in this tournament, as their biggest loss was a 5-0 defeat to the Swedes.
Germany will also be desperate to have a good showing as they look to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals, which could come down to goal differential. The Germans’ only chance to keep this game close will likely be to bear down defensively, so I think we could see them just scrape by to cash the Under.
Canada vs Germany betting trend to know
Canada is 16-0 all-time against Germany as the World Junior Hockey Championship.
Canada vs Germany game info
Location: | Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden |
Date: | Sunday, December 31, 2023 |
Puck drop: | 1:30 p.m. ET |
TV: | TSN |