2019 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships – Sweden vs Latvia Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Sweden vs Latvia start? Monday 20th May, 2019 – 15:15 (UK)
Where is Sweden vs Latvia being played? Ondrej Nepela Arena, Slovakia
What television channel is Sweden vs Latvia on in the UK? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Sweden vs Latvia in the UK? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for Sweden vs Latvia? https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/static/6180/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Sweden 3-2 Latvia
THE TEAM NEWS
SWEDEN
- Sweden condemned Switzerland to their first defeat of the 2019 IIHF World Championship as the reigning back-to-back champions won their fourth consecutive game to effectively seal their place in the quarter-finals.
- In a repeat of last year’s final, the Swedes once again came out on top to claim the 4-3 and leapfrog their opponents into third in the table and now know a win over Latvia will see them progress.
- William Nylander’s superb competition continued as he scored a goal against Switzerland and provided two assists to boost his total points contribution to 13 which is just one behind Russia’s Nikita Kucherov at the top of the scoring leaders chart.
LATVIA
- Latvia must win this contest to keep their hopes of making the quarter-finals alive but they know they face an uphill task despite putting in a good performance against the unbeaten Russians in their last match.
- The Latvians were punished for a poor second period where they conceded three times before a consolation goal in the third period saw them reduce the deficit to 3-1 and that result means they need to win their final two matches to be in with a shout of progressing.
- Latvia will be able to call upon defenceman Ralfs Freibergs for this important encounter after he sat out of the Russia game due to a one-match suspension imposed by the IIHF following a charging incident against Czech Republic.
THE PREDICTION
Sweden can secure their quarter-final berth with a win over Latvia and also end their opponent’s hopes of progressing. The Swedes looked good against quality opposition in Switzerland as they look to peak at the right time as they bid for their third consecutive title. They won’t have it all their own way against Latvia who didn’t roll over against Russia in their last encounter and can take heart from that but they will fall short here with Sweden able to earn the victory.
