January 2, 2023 by Michael Hebert

Team Canada has entered the playoff rounds in Halifax in a bid to defend its 2022 Gold Medal performance. Led by generational talent Connor Bedard, Canada started the tournament by getting upset by Team Czechia, but has bounced back to commanding wins against Germany, Austria, and Sweden. Tonight at 7:30AT/4:30MT, Team Canada in quarterfinal will take to the ice against Team Slovakia.

The Slovakian team has done well coming from Group B where they upset Team USA and really showed well in their other matchups finishing third in Pool B. Slovakia is led by Simon Nemec, the New Jersey Devils No. 2 overall draft pick. Nemec is a big defenceman and will be key to their success if they can get by Canada and he will really be needed to thwart the high powered Canadian offence. The Slovaks leading scorer for the tournament so far is Filip Mesar, first round pick No. 22 pick for the Montreal Canadians. Mesar is a smooth skating forward with the ability to transition well and create chances with his creativity. Tied with Mesar is Peter Repcik, he’s a CHL player with the Charlottetown Islanders in the QMJHL.

Related: Talking Points After Czechia Defeats Canada 5-2

If Canada is to be successful against Slovakia, they’re going to need to really be careful against the Slovakian transition game. Team Slovakia is getting even points distribution all the way across the lineup and will be solid defensively and looking to capitalize on the chances they do get. Overall the Slovakian team is the youngest team at the IIHF World Juniors this year and will be showcasing a lot of upcoming talent in the upcoming draft.

Some other names to watch on Team Slovakia: Adam Sykora (New York Ranger No. 63), Dalibor Dvorsky 2023 Draft Eligible, Samuel Honzek 2023 Draft Eligible, and Maxim Strbak on defence 2023 Draft Eligible.

The Canadian team has all of the elements to make it to the final game of the tournament. Possibly one of the best offensive threats to ever put on a Canadian jersey is Connor Bedard. He’ll be looking to surpass Eric Lindros’s record for most all time points by a Canadian in the tournament.

Canada will need to play a disciplined game. In only four games, Team Canada has found themselves on the wrong end of a major penalty in two of them. Canada’s overall strength is on the offensive side of the puck, getting stuck in the penalty box will not lead to a good result for this team. They need to check their emotions and come out playing a good clean game.

Additionally, the goaltending has been solid with Thomas Milic, but he has not been overly tested in the two starts he’s had. Their defence hasn’t really been tested so far in the tournament outside of game one where they made some early tournament mistakes that really cost them. Canada’s offensive power is the whole key to their success. Overall if they can stay disciplined and can continue to attack the Slovak zone, they can deal with any defensive gaffes because there is enough offensive talent on this team to throw out four first lines on any other team.

This is the time for Adam Fantilli, Shane Wright, Joshua Roy, and Dylan Guenther to carry the load and propel the team to victory. Bedard will continue to shine, but the team’s success will be the key to moving forward in the playoffs.

Note: Owen Beck, Montreal Canadiens No. 33 pick, and speedy point getter for the Mississauga Steelheads will get his chance as Colton Dach is out tonight.

Enjoy the game and LETS GO CANADA!