Massive matchups with knockout round implications set for Day 5 of the World Juniors

"Despite failing to score a point in the standings thus far, Switzerland has played some determined hockey. Not only did they hold the hosts, the United States, to just two goals in their first game, but they also pushed Sweden to the brink by virtue of a 2-1 lead after two periods. The one issue for Switzerland is that they have to find a way to put together a complete sixty-minute effort."

"Switzerland's game against fifth-place Germany might be the perfect opportunity for the Swiss to earn that sixty-minute effort and get back on track ahead of their preliminary-round finale against Slovakia. Despite boasting a sneaky attack, Germany has been unable to produce much in the way of defence, giving up eighteen goals over the course of their first three tournament games (six goals against vs the United States, four vs Slovakia, and eight vs Sweden)."

Two days remain in the preliminary round, with final games determining which teams advance to the knockout stage and which face the relegation round. Switzerland, with no points but resilient play, must deliver a full 60-minute effort and can clinch a knockout spot by beating Germany. Germany has struggled defensively, surrendering 18 goals in three games, and needs significant improvements. Latvia and Denmark meet in the other game, with Latvia positioned to extend its path toward the knockouts while Denmark faces a last chance to improve standings and avoid a relegation-round matchup.

Read at Puck Prose