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The Yanks have been inconsistent during the tournament. The biggest headline was when they squandered a 5-1 lead to a 5-5 draw against Norway a few days ago. They also seemed to lose control of the game against Germany, letting a 3-0 lead slip to 3-3, before shifting gears and ultimately securing the win. Now, a really strong Czech Republic awaits, and I think that might be exactly what’s needed to ignite the American team before the quarterfinals kick off.
Top-ranked before the tournament
The World Championship is an intense tournament, and it’s easy to get fixated on individual performances. Many seem to have forgotten that the USA were clear favorites to win the group before the World Championship. Sure, they’ve had a few less successful performances, but there’s no doubt that all the ingredients are there to put teams like the Czech Republic in their place. The American team is packed to the brim with NHL players. Absolutely, many of them are young and somewhat inexperienced, but they’re also star-studded. Zach Werenski joined the tournament late but is an addition of absolute world-class quality. Tage Thompson, Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Conor Garland, Will Smith, and Frank Nazar are just some of the stars the team has at its disposal.
The feeling has rather been that of a team that hasn’t quite done the job in every situation. The collapses we saw in the games against Norway and Germany were largely self-inflicted, as they didn’t put in the work properly in defense. Now there’s something to play for. A win today against the Czech Republic gives the USA a decent chance of an easier path in the quarterfinals. If they lose instead, it’s most likely Sweden or Canada already in the quarterfinals.
The Czech Republic impresses
I’m the first to say that the Czech Republic looks strong! Pastrnak, Necas, Cervenka & Co have impressed and delivered some really solid performances. At the same time, they played a game yesterday, and even though it eventually snowballed into a comfortable win against Germany, they have a game in their legs, while the Americans come in with more rest.
Conclusion and betting tip
The Czechs will, of course, be fired up, and if the USA slacks off defensively, the Czechs will undoubtedly be unforgiving. For the USA to beat the Czech Republic, it’ll take an inspired performance where they play with sharpness and sacrifice. Maybe I’m putting too much faith in the USA, but getting even odds on a more rested USA, which isn’t worse on paper, I can’t quite pass up. They also have every reason to want to win just as much as the Czech Republic. The USA should be favorites in my book.
USA FT (threeway) @ +150 on DraftKings
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