2013 World Juniors - 12/30

Dasherboard: On Saturday in the 2013 World Junior Tournament Sweden defeated Latvia 5-1 and Russia blanked Germany 7-0 as expected.

Today's action saw Finland edge feisty Switzerland 5-4 in a shootout, which left the two teams tied at 5 points apiece in Group A.

Canada played a strong defensive game and made 2 first period goals hold up for a 2-1 win in regulation to remain atop Group B with a perfect 3-0 record.

The Americans second loss in a row without a point leaves them tied with Slovakia at 3 points each as Slovakia outlasted Germany in overtime 2-1 to take two of the three available points.

Also in Group A, the Czech Republic won over Latvia to keep pace in their quest to advance to the Playoff Round.

In the Group A standings, Sweden leads with 8 points while the Czechs are second with 6 points, followed by Finland and Switzerland tied at 5 each in the ultra tight group. Sweden takes on rivals Finland today while the Czech Republic faces off against Switzerland. There's any number of scenarios which could take place tomorrow, with one of those four clubs being left without a chair when the music stops.

Group B is more settled, with Canada and Russia playing to win the group and earn the valuable bye that goes with it, as both will move on to the Playoff Round. The US and the Slovaks will settle the fight for the third playoff spot in their winner-take-all game and the loser drops into the Relegation Round with Germany and Latvia.

The USA vs. Slovakia game will be on the NHL Network in the United States live at 5:00 AM eastern and repeated again at 8 PM.

Canada's game vs. Russia will follow at 9:00 AM with a repeat at 5:30 PM.

TSN in Canada will also have the USA/Slovakia game live at 5:00 AM and Canada/Russia live beginning at 8:30 AM with repeats at 12 noon, 7:30 PM and 11 PM.