2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Predictions

The upcoming IIHF World Championships are shaping up to be exciting, and we've got our predictions ready for you. Based on the current form of the teams, the tournament's history, and our expert analysis, we believe this year's championships will be full of surprises and intense matchups.

Our prediction model considers various factors, from player performance to team chemistry, to forecast the likely outcomes of each game. While anything can happen in the high-stakes world of international hockey, we're confident in our ability to provide you with an insightful look at how the tournament might unfold.

Whether you're a diehard fan or a casual observer, our IIHF World Championships prediction is a must-read. We'll break down the key storylines, highlight the players to watch, and give you our picks for the medal contenders. With our comprehensive analysis, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with your hockey knowledge.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into our IIHF World Championships prediction and prepare for an unforgettable tournament!

Brief History of the IIHF World Championships

The biennial IIHF World Championships are the most renowned international competition; men's international teams contest them. The tournament's inaugural edition occurred in 1920 amidst the Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium. From that point forward, until the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico, competitions transpiring at the Summer Olympics were regarded as the World Championships.

The inaugural tournament held outside of the Summer Olympics occurred in 1930 when it was divided among Berlin, Vienna, and Chamonix (Germany). Subsequently, the annual tournament was established; however, it was not conducted from 1940 to 1946 due to the Second World War.

During the early years, ice hockey's popularity was primarily focused on Canada and the Soviet Union, two of the largest countries in the world. Canada had won the gold medal fifteen times before the Soviet Union's first victory in 1954. However, the 1960s marked a significant power shift, as the Soviet Union achieved its first victory in 1954 and subsequently secured its third gold medal in 1963. Subsequently, the Soviet Union won nine consecutive gold medals, triumphing in every tournament until 1971.

2024 Ice Hockey World Championship Favorites and Odds

Team Canada (+265) (3.65)

Placing bets on the Canadians as the heavy favorites to win the World Championship is a simple decision. With 28 gold medals, they hold the record for the most in IIHF history.

Canada has emerged victorious in four World Championships since 2015. In Czechia, which is also a hockey superpower, the 2024 team is assembling a formidable roster.

Team Canada's greatest asset is its unparalleled depth. They can go four lines deep in this tournament and still find produce.

Because the Stanley Cup Playoffs prevent some of the game's finest athletes from representing their nations, availability frequently determines the outcome of the IIHF World Championship.

Despite the absence of McDavid, they possess an ample amount of firepower to contend with the opposition. It will not be difficult for Canada to generate offense during the World Championship.

Nonetheless, will the goaltending and defense stand up? Tristan Jarry and Sam Montembeault seem poised to be their primary candidates. Marc-Andre Fleury may agree to play for the team, but the outcome is uncertain.

Undoubtedly, their most significant deficiency at the 2024 IIHF World Championship will be goaltending.

Team Finland (+340) (4.40)

In recent history, the Finnish squad has succeeded at the IIHF World Championship. Three years after claiming their third gold medal in 2019, they captured their fourth in 2022.

Once again, Team Finland is considered one of the heavy favorites according to the IIHF wagering odds for this season. Due to its expanding population of youthful superstars and high-caliber talent, Finland's hockey program is poised for long-term success.

At the World Championship, a fiery goaltender can take the show and a gold medal for a team. Finland, renowned as a goalkeeper factory, ought to have adequate equipment between the posts in Czechia.

Saros would be an invaluable asset to Team Finland should the Nashville Predators struggle to make the playoffs or suffer a first-round loss.

This season, the Frossa, Finland-born 28-year-old has recorded a 2.81 GAA and a 0.907 save percentage for the Predators.

However, Finland would not be in a difficult situation in the crease due to Saros' absence. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been among the best goaltenders in the NHL during the 2023-24 season.

Team Sweden (+475) (5.75)

In general, Sweden receives an exemption into the IIHF World Championship. Predictably, it is one of the most challenging teams to identify in international competition.

Sweden won the reigning IIHF championships in 2017 and 2018. Sweden has not earned a medal or even placed fourth since that time—a disappointing outcome for a group that triumphed in three championships between 2013 and 2018.

Nevertheless, Sweden's position is respectable even though it heads into a Group B that is highly beatable. In light of this feeble opposition, Sweden will almost certainly achieve the number one berth in the elimination round.

Comparable to their Scandinavian counterpart, the Swedish offense does not excite us. This could be an entirely different scenario in the Olympics, but regardless, this team will be built on defense. On the offensive, Bratt will bear the burden of producing a remarkable World Championship.

Sweden should have a robust blue line heading into the 2024 World Championship. Karlsson and Dahlin, both members of the same roster, would rank among the top two players in the tournament.

Furthermore, given the Calgary Flames' current struggles, it is anticipated that goaltender Jacob Markstrom will be available. Since his return to the ice a few weeks ago, he has been sidelined by an injury. FTheveteran's presence would be palpable in the locker room and on the ice. for Sweden

Our 2024 IIHF World Championship Predictions

TSN identifies Sidney Crosby and Derek Bedard as formidable contenders for the World Championships on behalf of Team Canada. The Penguins are in danger of missing the postseason, whereas Bedard's Blackhawks have already been eliminated.

Crosby, who will be 36 years old following another lengthy season, may consider flying to the Czech Republic to play hockey. It is common knowledge that he is capable, but his motivation may be dubious. Bedard, however, is 18 years old and strives to improve as a player.

The likelihood that Bedard will participate has increased. Canada is poised for a successful run in this tournament should either decide to participate. While we are not overly enthusiastic about their goaltending situation, Team Canada appears to be in excellent form offensively.

Adding two Islanders, Horvat and Barzal, to Team Canada would significantly improve their prospects of winning a gold medal. In summary, depth is expected to prevail, as each of Canada's four lines will contribute to the team's championship push.

The +265 odds of Canada winning the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship are too tempting to pass up, so we are placing our bet on the favorite.