Sweden vs Slovakia: prediction & betting odds May 9, 2025

The Matchday 1 encounter in Group A of the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship between Sweden and Slovakia will take place on May 9 at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm. Sweden vs. Slovakia: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Sweden National Team

Last year, the Swedes secured third place at the World Championship by defeating Canada in the bronze medal match, having collected the maximum points possible by winning all seven group stage games. Sweden returned to the podium for the first time in six years. Notably, in the 21st century, the Swedes have won the tournament's gold medals four times (2006, 2013, 2017, 2018).

For the upcoming World Championship, Sweden is fielding an impressive squad ready to contend for top honors. Among the standout performers this season are Lucas Raymond from the Detroit Red Wings (27 goals, 53 assists), Mika Zibanejad from the New York Rangers (20 goals, 42 assists), and Filip Forsberg, who earned 76 points (31 goals, 45 assists) with the Nashville Predators.

• At least six goals were scored in regular time in 7 of Sweden's last 10 World Championship matches.
• The team conceded no more than one goal in 60 minutes in 6 of their last 9 games in this tournament.
• Sweden won by at least two goals in regular time in 8 of their last 10 World Championship matches.

Slovakia National Team

Last year, Slovakia's World Championship run ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to Canada. Over the past four years, Slovakia has exited the group stage three times but has been eliminated in the quarterfinals each time. In the 21st century, Slovakia has reached the podium three times, winning each set of medals once.

Notable players include Dalibor Dvorsky, who scored 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) for Springfield this season, and Martin Chromiak, who earned 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 69 games for Ontario.

• At least six goals were scored in regular time in 6 of Slovakia's last 8 World Championship matches.
• The team did not lose after three periods in 5 of their last 7 games in this tournament (3 wins, 2 draws).
• Slovakia scored at least three goals in regular time in 7 of their last 9 World Championship matches.

Sweden vs. Slovakia: Match Prediction

As hosts, Sweden looks strong for the upcoming World Championship, at least judging by their squad. In recent results, Sweden won all their games in the Czech stage of the Euro Hockey Tour in regular time, emerging victorious. Slovakia's squad is noticeably weaker not only compared to Sweden but also other teams in this tournament. Therefore, Sam Hallam's team, with high ambitions and goals, should not stumble at the start of the World Championship.

Sweden won by at least two goals in regular time in 6 of their last 7 head-to-head World Championship meetings. Additionally, they achieved similar scoreline margins in 8 of their last 10 World Championship games. I believe Sweden will start their home tournament with a confident victory, capable of defeating opponents of this level by at least a couple of goals.

My prediction: Sweden with a handicap (-2)