Welcome to Last Word On Hockey’s editions of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships predictions. Throughout the tournament our team will break down key matchups, storylines and stats, then make a prediction on how the game will play out. You can also check out our NHL editions. For this edition, we’ll take a look at this all-Nordic semifinal between Finland and Sweden

World Junior Championship Predictions: Sweden vs Finland
How to Watch: US TV: NHL Network Canada TV: TSN

Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Where: Grand Casino Arena (St. Paul, Minn.)

It’s a battle for Scandinavian supremacy as Sweden battles Finland in the semifinals. The winner will take on the winner of Canada and Czechia for a spot in the gold-medal game. Both Sweden and Finland are trying to secure its first championship since the last decade. Finland last took gold in 2019, while Sweden last won the event in 2012.

These two countries have played some of the most complete hockey of the tournament. However, things get tougher with a spot in the final on the line. There’s plenty of history between the two teams, so there will be shortage of bad blood between the two nations.

Let’s look into this all-important semifinal matchup between Sweden and Finland in this round of World Junior Championship predictions.

The Sweden Story

Sweden is the only team to get to the semifinal round with a perfect record. The team has taken maximum points in group play and took care of business with a 6-3 win over upstart Latvia in the quarterfinals. Sweden looks like the favourites to take the gold medal and reach its first final since 2024 when the tournament was in their home country.

St Louis Blues prospect Love Harenstam has been excellent in goal this tournament and he’ll likely get the call again. Harenstam has a 2.50 goals-against-average and a .903 save percentage.

Chicago Blackhawks pick Anton Frondell has been excellent this tournament with five goals and seven points. Philadelphia Flyers draftee Jack Berglund has also been strong this tournament with seven points.

The Finland Story

Finland got a measure of revenge in eliminating the host and two-time defending champion United States. The 4-3 overtime win turned the tables on losing last year’s gold medal game in overtime. We also saw the Finns bounce back nicely from a 7-4 loss to Canada in the Group B finale.

Los Angeles Kings goalie Petteri Rimpinen has played every minute for Finland in this tournament. Rimpinen has a 2.57 GAA, but his save percentage needs some work at .876.

Anaheim Ducks draft choice Lasse Boelius has put together a strong World Juniors with six points. This is the same as Flyers prospect Heikki Ruohonen and Jasper Kuhta.

Prediction

These rivalry games are always tough to gauge. Both teams have shown offensive prowess but are also sound on the defensive end.

However, Sweden seems more equipped to put puck into the net. Finland is a strong defensive side, but the Swedes offensive pop gives it the edge.

Main photo by: David Reginek-Imagn Images

Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER