2019 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships – Russia vs USA Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Russia vs USA start? Thursday 23rd May, 2019 – 15:15 (UK)
Where is Russia vs USA being played? Ondrej Nepela Arena, Slovakia
What television channel is Russia vs USA on in the UK? This match will be televised live on FreeSports (Sky channel 422)
Where can I stream Russia vs USA in the UK? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for Russia vs USA? https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/static/6180/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Russia 3-5 USA
THE TEAM NEWS
RUSSIA
- Russia ensured they went through the round robin stage of the IIHF 2019 World Championships with a 100% record as they defeated Sweden in their final game to progress as Group B winners.
- The Russians saw off the reigning back-to-back champions to complete seven straight wins and they look the side to beat following the 7-4 win as they ended their group campaign by outscoring their opponents 36-7.
- Russia will now face the USA with a fully-fit squad behind them and the meanest defence in the competition with it coming as no surprise that they top the competition in terms of save percentage with 96%.
USA
- The USA were shutout by Canada in their final round robin match and that result saw them drop to fourth in the Group A table to set up a match with the Group B winners.
- Ending the group stage with five wins (one in overtime) and two losses, the USA’s 3-0 loss to Canada will leave them needing a big performance if they are to overcome the unbeaten Russians.
- They have no injury concerns but with none of their players featuring in the top ten rankings for scorers in the competition so far, it might take a collective team performance rather than individual brilliance if they are to progress.
THE PREDICTION
Russia have shaped as the best team in the tournament from very early on and do not seem to be buckling under that pressure after they secured their seventh consecutive win by seeing off reigning champions Sweden to top Group B. They now host a USA side that struggled for consistency in their round robin games and ultimately, is why they finished fourth in the group. The United States have the players to cause Russia some problems but their defence should be too strong for the Americans which is likely to see the Russians make the last four.
