Welcome to Last Word On Hockey’s Olympic Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the penultimate game in Group A, Switzerland and Czechia. Don’t forget to check out more Olympic Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the Olympics.
Winter Olympic Predictions featuring Switzerland vs Czechia
Head-to-Head: Czechia 14 – 10 Switzerland
Time: 6:10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
How to Watch:
Canada: CBC Gem, Sportsnet, TSN
USA: Peacock, USA Network
It’s the first game of the last day of group play during the Olympics in Milan. This game’s importance cannot be understated. Canada has claimed the top spot of the group following their wins against both of these teams. This matchup will decide who gets second place and the better seeding heading into the qualification playoffs, which both teams are likely to be involved in. There is a chance that, should there be a blowout on either side, one of these teams makes it into the quarterfinals directly. However, those are extremely long odds. For Switzerland, they would have to win by 12. Czechia would have to win by 11. That being said, it’s more likely that both nations will have to play the extra game.
Czechia Looking for Confidence
Czechia will be looking for a confidence builder heading into the last game of group play after a dismal outing against Canada, and a serious scare in the second period against France in their last game. Lukas Dostal is expected to get the start for Czechia, however that has yet to be confirmed. Along with the confidence, Czechia is looking for where their superstars are. No Czechia player is within the top 30 in scoring for the tournament. Something of a surprise with NHL superstars Martin Necas and David Pastrnak on the squad. In fact, no Czechia player has more than one goal during the tournament so far. They will have to find someone to be the hero if they look to go deep into the single elimination playoffs.
Switzerland Delight
With a win Switzerland would almost certainly end up in fifth place and have the best matchup against the twelfth seed in the qualification playoff, likely to be France or Italy. They are led by their goal scoring leader Timo Meier who has scored two goals in their two games. The likely starting goaltender for the Swiss would be Akira Schmid, who got the start in their last game against Canada. They’ll be looking to use their speed to over match the Czechian side, much like Canada did earlier in the tournament.
The Prediction
Czechia and Switzerland have what some would consider a rivalry in hockey, and while Czechia holds a bit of a lead in the overall head to head, expect this to be a very close game. Would also expect a more determined Necas and Pastrnak for Czechia.
Prediction: Switzerland wins 4-3
Lineup Disclaimer: Projected line combinations and starting goaltenders are based on available information at the time of writing. Please verify official lineups prior to placing any wagers.
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Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images