World Juniors 2017: Denmark vs. Switzerland, Latvia vs. Slovakia previews, TV schedule, lines, and more

5:00 PM EST Denmark vs. Switzerland (TSN1, TSN3)

It’s been an excellent World Junior Hockey tournament for Denmark. With two wins in the bank they’re on pace finish either second or third in their group. It’s an encouraging sign for a program that has struggled in the past. Hard work and complete team efforts are on the menu for Denmark this year, and it’s paying off in spades.

As for Switzerland, they’re still searching for their first regulation win, although they do have an overtime win on the books. At the moment they sit two points ahead of Finland for last in the group.

Team Denmark projected lines

Team Switzerland projected lines

7:30 PM EST Latvia vs. Slovakia (TSN1, TSN4)

The second match of the day should be the most intense. Latvia and Slovakia will be clambering over one another in an attempt to stay out of the fifth spot in Group B and the relegation round that will determine if they will stay in the IIHF’s Top Division for next year’s tournament, or drop down to the second tier.

The situation is slightly more dire for Latvia than their opponent, as this will be their fourth and final attempt to record a win in the group stage. Anything less will see Slovakia finish ahead in the standings.

Latvia did play well against Canada on Thursday, though you wouldn’t believe that by just looking at the final score. They actually held the edge in shots versus the top offensive team in the tournament until about the midway mark of the second period, and deserved a better fate than their 10-2 loss. The team can take some confidence from that performance into tonight’s game, and duplicating that effort will give them a good chance at a rare victory.

Team Latvia projected lines

Team Slovakia projected lines