The Matchday 12 clash in Group B of the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship between the Czech Republic and the USA will take place on May 20 at the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning. Czech Republic vs. USA: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Czech Republic
The Czechs secured a clean sheet victory against Germany (5-0) in their last World Championship outing, marking their fifth regulation-time win in this tournament. Three players from the Czech team collected two points each, including Jakub Flek, who netted a brace. The Czech Republic is the highest-scoring team in their group, with 33 goals, and they lead Group B with 17 points, one point ahead of their closest rival.
- The Czech Republic has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in 6 of their last 7 World Championship meetings.
- At least seven goals have been scored in 4 of the last 6 World Championship games involving the Czechs over 60 minutes.
- The team has won nine consecutive World Championship matches (1 in OT).
USA
The Americans defeated Kazakhstan 6-1 in their last World Championship match, achieving their third consecutive win (1 in OT). They conceded their only goal in the final minute, outshooting their opponents more than twofold (38-17). Frank Nazar stood out for the USA, being the top scorer in this match (1+2). The USA is currently in third place in Group B with 14 points.
- The USA has not scored more than three goals in regulation time in 12 of their last 13 World Championship encounters.
- The team has won 9 of their last 11 World Championship games (1 in OT).
- At least five goals have been scored in regulation time in 14 of the last 16 World Championship matches.
Czech Republic vs. USA: Match Prediction
The USA's sole defeat in the tournament so far has cost them the group lead, and they also dropped a point against Norway, which was surprising in both cases. The Czechs, however, have shown more consistency throughout the group stage, dropping only one possible point and having no issues with goal-scoring. They are well-positioned to outplay their upcoming opponent, even though the USA is also highly skilled.
It's worth noting that the Czech Republic has nine consecutive World Championship victories (1 in OT). Additionally, they have not lost to the USA in regulation time in 7 of their last 10 World Championship meetings (6 wins, 1 draw). Both teams are highly motivated to win the upcoming match, but given the Czechs' impressive performance in this tournament, I am backing them to come out on top.
My prediction: Czech Republic with a handicap (0)
Daniel Vladař
Josef Korenar
Karel Vejmelka
Daniel Gazda
David Spacek
Filip Hronek
Filip Pyrochta
Jiri Tichacek
Libor Hajek
Tomash Kundratek
Adam Klapka
Daniel Voženílek
David Pastrňák
Filip Zadina
Jakub Flek
Martin Necas
Ondřej Beránek
Petr Kodytek
Hampton Slukynsky
Joey Daccord
Alex Vlasic
Brady Skjei
Cole Hutson
Jackson LaCombe
Michael Kesselring
Zach Werenski
Isaac Howard
Shane Pinto
Will Smith
