May 17, 2025 | IIHF World Championship – Group Stage | Face-off: 20:20 Berlin time
🔴 Canada vs Slovakia: IIHF World Championship – Group Stage LIVE.
Canada vs Slovakia: The Favorite Won’t Be Pushing the Pace
The May 17 showdown between Canada and Slovakia at Stockholm’s Avicii Arena is shaping up to be a test of discipline and composure for both sides. Canada sits comfortably at the top of Group A and can afford to dial the tempo up or down as they please. Slovakia, on the other hand, is still clawing for a playoff spot and fighting tooth and nail for every single point.
Despite the clear difference in team levels, don’t expect a goal-fest. This one’s more likely to be controlled, calculated hockey from Canada and a gritty Slovak attempt to stay in the fight with tight defense and counterattacks.
Canada: No Injuries, No Panic, No Rush
Dean Evason’s squad came out swinging: four games, four dominant wins. Slovenia (4–0), Latvia (7–1), France (5–0), Austria (5–1). The numbers are nasty—but don’t expect them to go nuclear against Slovakia.
Canada already has the group lead wrapped in a bow. They’ll play smart: puck control, minimal risk, efficiency over fireworks. The team’s running like a Swiss watch—no injuries, solid chemistry, and every line clicking like it’s mid-playoffs.
Slovakia: Fighting for a Top-4 Finish
Slovakia’s clinging to 4th place and feeling the heat. Wins over Slovenia (3–1) and France (2–1) are offset by heavy defeats to Sweden (0–5) and yes, seriously Austria (2–3). Vladimir Orszagh’s squad is wildly inconsistent—they struggle under pressure and waste too many chances.
They’re known for starting slow and trying to build into the game—but against Canada, that’s a gamble with a loaded gun. One false start, and the scoreboard might already be a problem.
Prediction: Canada Will Play It Cool
Canada's form is intimidating, but this isn’t about putting on a show. Canada vs Slovakia is likely to be a game where the favorites aim to win with minimal fuss. Slovakia, meanwhile, will focus on survival and trying not to get steamrolled.
The stats back it up: Canada loves racking up goals—but mostly against clear underdogs. Slovakia, meanwhile, lives in low-scoring matches. Their last three games didn’t break the 4.5 total goals mark.
