What has impressed me thus far in the tournament is Latvias heart, im not just talking about the win over Canada but the shot blocks, givning 100% every shift. Nothing but respect there!
100%! This team is not here to mess around this year, they’ve got themselves a very solid system backed by an unwavering commitment to it, they’ve certainly been emerging as a dark horse candidate at this tournament!
I’d argue that Latvia had a lot of puck luck in this one capitalizing on the majority of their chances. As much as the score might have been close, the actual game play was a blowout and in my eyes was never in doubt even with after the Latvia goal which is why in my eyes the game was a blowout despite the score being closer
Me too! Latvia has certainly show well so far at this tournament and I really hope they can continue their success and play for a medal at this tournament!
Especially with what we've seen from the big 3 so far, Czechia is starting to emerge as my favourite for this tournament as well! It wouldn't surprise me to see them play for gold this year!
As the Canadian I really hope not as the Czechs have had Canada’s number and the demons were clearly there in the pre-tournament game, would certainly be a great game especially on Canadian home ice though!
I don't mind how the US played. When they played Germany, they were in full attack mode and played 0 defense. If they did that against Latvia, we would lose. US defensemen are mid, though they need to do better.
There are very few teams that can matchup with the US offense certainly however the all out attack is why Latvia has been so successful through 2 games, Canada and the US like to play offensively and force plays through the middle which is the entire scheme behind Latvia’s (and most trap style European nations) play.
you have Germany beating Latvia for the 4seed, last year Latvia won Germany 6:2 mate, that being said, last year Latvia lost to Canada 0:10 so idk where are you coming from with these predictions
Last Year Germany also made a sensation by winning Finland and playing good aganist Canada, but they unexpectedly lost to Latvia. So it will be fair if this year, Germany will beat Latvia for the 4th place.
Very similarly to what @MIKelanjelo-b5w said, in my eyes Germany has played really well as well but just narrowly lost against two tough opponents in Finland and the US. Latvia has played well and beat Canada yes but their style is designed to capitalize on opponents playing freely which isn’t exactly how Germany (who is much more structured in their game) plays. In my eyes I’m still taking Germany but I firmly believe it’s a toss up as I had mentioned in the prediction video.
@reflection3391 In fairness to Germany they most likely would have won that game if they didn't have to win in regulation. On the PP late in the game wouldn't have pulled the goalie and likely would've scored like they ended up doing. Obviously should've, could've, would've but still, one heck of a game between the two nations!
What has impressed me thus far in the tournament is Latvias heart, im not just talking about the win over Canada but the shot blocks, givning 100% every shift. Nothing but respect there!
100%! This team is not here to mess around this year, they’ve got themselves a very solid system backed by an unwavering commitment to it, they’ve certainly been emerging as a dark horse candidate at this tournament!
You can’t call the us vs latvia a blow out cause had Latvia had some puck luck that game would have bin completely different
I’d argue that Latvia had a lot of puck luck in this one capitalizing on the majority of their chances. As much as the score might have been close, the actual game play was a blowout and in my eyes was never in doubt even with after the Latvia goal which is why in my eyes the game was a blowout despite the score being closer
Right now Latvia has 8 NHL draft prospects for 2025 and 2026 drafts combined. I want to see how that will change...
Me too! Latvia has certainly show well so far at this tournament and I really hope they can continue their success and play for a medal at this tournament!
Maybe its me being Czech.. but I do feel that we can beat teams like Canada (like 2023 qf) but it will be really unpredictable and close… hopefully!!
Especially with what we've seen from the big 3 so far, Czechia is starting to emerge as my favourite for this tournament as well! It wouldn't surprise me to see them play for gold this year!
Hopefully Czechia can meet Canada in the playoffs again, their U20 matches are always a joy to watch
As the Canadian I really hope not as the Czechs have had Canada’s number and the demons were clearly there in the pre-tournament game, would certainly be a great game especially on Canadian home ice though!
I don't mind how the US played. When they played Germany, they were in full attack mode and played 0 defense. If they did that against Latvia, we would lose. US defensemen are mid, though they need to do better.
There are very few teams that can matchup with the US offense certainly however the all out attack is why Latvia has been so successful through 2 games, Canada and the US like to play offensively and force plays through the middle which is the entire scheme behind Latvia’s (and most trap style European nations) play.
you have Germany beating Latvia for the 4seed, last year Latvia won Germany 6:2 mate, that being said, last year Latvia lost to Canada 0:10 so idk where are you coming from with these predictions
Last Year Germany also made a sensation by winning Finland and playing good aganist Canada, but they unexpectedly lost to Latvia. So it will be fair if this year, Germany will beat Latvia for the 4th place.
Very similarly to what @MIKelanjelo-b5w said, in my eyes Germany has played really well as well but just narrowly lost against two tough opponents in Finland and the US. Latvia has played well and beat Canada yes but their style is designed to capitalize on opponents playing freely which isn’t exactly how Germany (who is much more structured in their game) plays. In my eyes I’m still taking Germany but I firmly believe it’s a toss up as I had mentioned in the prediction video.
@MIKelanjelo-b5w Ups, they didn't.
@reflection3391 In fairness to Germany they most likely would have won that game if they didn't have to win in regulation. On the PP late in the game wouldn't have pulled the goalie and likely would've scored like they ended up doing. Obviously should've, could've, would've but still, one heck of a game between the two nations!
🇱🇻🇱🇻🇱🇻🇱🇻
Latvia has been playing great! Hope to see them continue their success at this tournament!
With Canada and Germany I do not expect much, Canada win by 5 goals at minimum
Fingers crossed! Especially after a tough recent loss I’d hope they come out with a vengeance!
Slovakia🎉🎉🎉
Always rooting for you guys!