Leon Draisaitl and Team Germany got off to an ideal start in their opening round game on Thursday as they easily went past Team Denmark with a comprehensive 3-1 win. They would hope to continue their winning ways against Team Latvia, who were blown away by a high flying American offense in a 5-1 defeat in their opening fixture.
Germany vs. Latvia Prediction: Players to Watch Out For
Germany’s biggest stars Tim Stutzle and Leon Draisaitl led from the front against Denmark. They scored the three goals for the team while goaltender Phillip Grauber also sustained massive pressure from the Danes, recording 37 saves in the win. There was optimism among the Latvians when they equalised through Renars Krastenbergs at 7:25 in the first period against Team USA. But besides his goal, there wasn’t much contribution from the others.
Germany vs. Latvia Prediction: Preview
The Latvians would be aware that recording just 18 shots on goal won’t be enough against Grauber and the Germans. They also conceded twice on the power play in the late stages of the game. A Draisaitl-led power play for the Germans can be equally dangerous for Team Latvia and so they will need to reduce any unnecessary penalties. The Germans recorded a 45.49% face off percentage win on Thursday and need that number to rise for them.
Germany vs Latvia Prediction: Projected Lines (subject to change)
Team Germany
Forwards:
Reichel-Draisaitl-Kahun
Peterka-Stutzle-Stachowiak
Tiffels-Samanski-Tuomie
Ehl-Sturm-Rieder
Defensemen:
Wagner-Seider
J. Muller-Wissmann
Gawanke-Kalble
Team Latvia
Forwards:
Vilmanis-Girgensons-Tralmaks
Ri.Bukarts-Blueger-Balcers
Krastenbergs-Locmelis-Daugavins
Ro.Bukarts-Batna-Dzierkals
Defensemen:
Balinskis-Rubins
Zile-Jaks
Mamcics-Smits
Germany vs Latvia Prediction: Projected Odds
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook:
Moneyline: Latvia: +235 | Germany: -290
Puck Line: Latvia: +1.5 (-108) | Germany: -1.5 (-112)
Total: 5.5 (Over +114/Under -135)
Team Germany is favored to take their second win of the campaign. They have similar odds to their game against the Danish. Team Latvia showed they couldn’t keep up with the fast paced hockey as their game against the Americans wore on. If Germany’s NHL superstars can bring the same level of energy, the scoreline will be bigger than a +1.5 for Latvia. The Germans, still, should also contain their opponents defensively for a smaller total.
Germany vs Latvia Prediction: Betting Tips
Moneyline: Germany (-290)
Puck Line: Germany -1.5 (-112)
Over/Under: Under 5.5 (-132)
Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy
