2018 World Junior Hockey Championship: Canada vs. USA — Preview, start time, TV schedule, and lineups

Last year, it was the Americans who got the best of Canada, edging them out in a shootout in order to capture a gold medal in Montreal. This year, their first meeting will be in a whole new environment.

New Era Field will be the venue today, as the World Junior Hockey Championship holds its first ever outdoor game, and there could be no greater matchup for the grand stage.

So far in the tournament, Canada has been one of the better offensive teams, having scored 10 goals in two games so far, winning their matches, against Finland and Slovakia. They stand on top of Group A, and show no signs of slowing down.

Montreal Canadiens prospect/player Victor Mete has had an exceptional tournament so far, unofficially tied for first in scoring with four points, all assists, to his name. Jordan Kyrou is another player to watch for Canada going as well, as he’s had a strong start so far with one goal and two assists, including this beauty against Slovakia.

Meanwhile, the United States came into the tournament as one of the favourites, and showed why in their first game as they defeated Denmark 9-0 on opening day. However, they were upset last night by Slovakia in a thriller, a game where Habs 2017 first-round pick Ryan Poehling recorded his first point in the tournament. The U.S. battled a strong Slovakia side determined to come out on the winning end following their previous loss to Canada.

The Canadian squad must be prepared for an American team ready to bring their all, especially in front of the hometown crowd in Buffalo.

Eyes On The Prize had a chance to speak with Mete following their game against Slovakia, and asked him about the rivalry with the Americans.

“Yeah no, it’s probably the biggest in hockey: Canada versus the USA in hockey. We know they’re a good team and we have to come prepared and take it to them. I think it’s kind of every level, the rivalry between the two is just crazy. Canada wants to beat USA, USA wants to beat Canada at every age group. It’s pretty crazy.”

Clearly, the stakes are as high as ever, and with a stage as incredible as an outdoor game, this will be the must-watch game of the tournament thus far.

How to watch

Puck drop: 3:00 PM EST / 12:00 PM PST
In Canada: TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, TSN 4K (English,) RDS (French)
In the United States: NHL Network
Streaming: TSNGO

Team Canada projected lineup

Team USA projected lineup

Injured: Logan Brown