World Juniors 2017: Czech Republic vs. Sweden, Switzerland vs. Finland, Slovakia vs. Russia previews, start times, TV schedule, & lineups

1:00 PM EST Czech Republic vs. Sweden (TSN3, TSN5)

Sweden has clinched the top spot in Group A with a full complement of nine points from its first three games, and places a 39-game preliminary-round winning streak on the line in an otherwise meaningless game for the country.

Czech Republic has a lot to gain from their final contest, as they can finish as high as second in the group with a win, or as low as fourth. They will get an easier opponent in the quarter-finals if they can manage to move up the board.

You can expect to see a lot of Filip Chlapik and Jakub Zboril as the Czechs attempt to pull off a massive upset.

Team Czech Republic projected lines

Team Sweden projected lines

5:30 PM EST Switzerland vs. Finland (TSN3, TSN4, TSN5)

Had Denmark been able to hold onto a 3-0 lead they exploded out to in yesterday’s match against Switzerland, this matchup would have been a do-or-die- affair for both sides. Instead, Finland has already been eliminated from medal contention, so the final game in Group A won’t be nearly as exciting as it could have been. However, it won’t be without its entertainment value.

One thing to watch for is how Finland will repond to the surprising firing of the entire coaching staff immediately following yesterday’s DEN/SUI decision, and the installation of Jusse Ahokas as the new head coach. They don’t have much time to find their game before the relegation round begins on Monday, so you can expect a vocal, hands-on approach from the bench boss.

The game isn’t completely meaningless for Switzerland. Currently sitting in fourth place and facing the prospect of having to play either Canada or the United States in the quarter-finals, the Swiss club can move up to as high as second by keeping Finland winless in the preliminary round.

His one-game suspension served, Switzerland will have the services of captain Calvin Thürkauf to help them toward that goal.

Team Switzerland projected lines

Team Finland projected lines

8:00 PM EST Slovakia vs. Russia (TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5)

A massive victory over Latvia last night means that Slovakia is assured of a spot in the quarter-finals and gets to keep a place in the Top Division for at least another year.

Though Latvia scored first, the Slovaks maintained their composure and scored the next four goals of the contest, holding on for a 4-2 win.

If they want to move up in the group, they will have to perform the difficult task of beating Russia. Currently tied with that club in points, with three, a win of any variety will accomplish that lofty goal and move Slovakia to third. While a spot in the quarter-finals is a major feat in and of itself for the Slovakian squad, an upset of a perennial gold-medal contender would do wonders for their quarter-final chances.

With two near misses versus Canada and USA so far, Russia probably deserves better than just the three points recorded thus far, and will prove a major adversary for the Slovaks.

Team Slovakia projected lines

Team Russia projected lines