Slovakia - USA predictions and free betting tips [07/05/2024]

The friendly match between two teams from the elite division of the World Hockey Championship begins at 16:00. Fans of international hockey are expected to witness a showdown between Slovakia and the USA.

USA

The US team's hockey players are constant participants in the elite division and always aspire for the top spots. At the 2023 World Championship held in Finland and Latvia, the US team did not perform as successfully as expected, but they also did not fail. The US team progressed out of the group stage without defeats, achieving 7 consecutive victories. The quarterfinal saw the USA clash with Czech Republic, overcoming them with a score of 3:0. In the semi-finals, the USA team shockingly lost 4:3 to Germany, and were sent to the third-place match where they faced the tournament hosts from Latvia. Yet again, the USA suffered a sensational defeat, conceding the deciding puck in overtime. The US team has not convened since the World Championships. The USA team's line-up for the upcoming World Championship is designed for high achievement.

Slovakia

Slovakia has not been a contender for the World Championship or a podium finish for a long time. However, the European team consistently produces results, which allows them to stay in the elite of world hockey for a long time, undergoing generation changes with minor losses and no failures. The 2023 World Championship in Finland and Latvia was not the most successful for the Slovakian hockey players. Slovakia managed to accumulate only 11 points in the group stage, which was not enough to qualify for the playoffs. Their neighbors from the Czech Republic, who gave up without a serious fight in the quarterfinals against the USA, ousted Slovakia from the top four. The Slovakia team actively participates in friendly matches and has played 9 control meetings with European rivals in 2024. In February 2024, Slovakia twice defeated Germany, and in April they managed to outplay Switzerland. 

Head-to-Head

Slovakia and the USA have faced each other in 8 official matches. Five games were won by Slovakia and three by the USA.

Prediction

The USA will win in 1st period. The USA takes an impressive roster to the tournament, one that has experience from NHL, AHL, and collegiate leagues. Young players in North America have always been stronger than their counterparts in Europe, which will play a key role here.