All games on NHL Network in U.S. and TSN in Canada
Czechia vs. Slovakia (2 p.m. ET)-- Slovakia is missing some of its top players, including the first two picks in the 2022 NHL Draft, forward Juraj Slafkovsky (Montreal Canadiens) and defenseman Simon Nemec (New Jersey Devils). But there still will be a lot of talent on display. That includes 17-year-old forward Dalibor Dvorsky, who could be a top-five pick in the 2023 NHL Draft after he had 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 33 games for AIK in Sweden's junior league and three points (two goals, one assist) in 17 games for AIK in Allsvenskan, Sweden's second division, last season. Forward Jiri Kulich (Buffalo Sabres) could be a key for Czechia. He was voted most valuable player of the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship after he scored nine goals in six games.
Latvia vs. Finland (6 p.m. ET)-- Latvia plays its first game at the top level of the WJC since 2017 after being added to replace Russia, which was banned from international play following its invasion of Ukraine. Latvia starts with a back-to-back against Finland and Canada. Finland should have little problem producing offense with experienced forwards Samuel Helenius (Los Angeles Kings), Roni Hirvonen (Toronto Maple Leafs), Kasper Simontaival (Kings) and Aatu Raty (New York Islanders). Keep an eye on Brad Lambert (Winnipeg Jets), who had five points (one goal, four assists) in two WJC games in December before the tournament was postponed after four days because of COVID-19.
United States vs. Germany (10 p.m. ET) -- The quest for a second straight championship begins for the United States. Four players are back from the team that won the 2021 tournament in Edmonton, including defenseman and captain Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild). There are questions in goal, with three undrafted players -- Kaidan Mbereko (2023 draft eligible), Remington Keopple and Andrew Oke (2023 draft eligible) -- looking to grab the job. Whoever is in goal should get plenty of support from an offense that likely will be led by forwards Logan Cooley (Arizona Coyotes), Matt Coronato (Calgary Flames) and Thomas Bordeleau (San Jose Sharks).
