World Juniors: Can Team USA Slow Bedard’s Coronation?

Connor Bedard is playing in the IIHF World Junior Championships. He is putting on one of the most impressive showings in recent memory. Canada is the moneyline favorite at -180. They play the U.S. team on Wednesday night. Czechia beat Sweden in other semifinal.

Connor Bedard is playing in the IIHF World Junior Championships. He is expected to win the gold medal. Canada takes on the U.S. on Wednesday night. Czechia beat Sweden in other semifinal. The bronze-medal game is Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET, and the final is on Friday at 6: 30 p.,m., at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Team USA is fourth in the tournament with a goals-against average of 2.42. They have only allowed two power-play goals in 13 attempts. Logan Cooley, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Cutter Gauthier are the top scorers for the U.S.

Bedard has been a revelation at the World Juniors. He has scored eight goals and had 13 assists in five games. Bedard broke the record of 19 points by a Canadian player in the tournament. His 34 career points broke Eric Lindros’ record by Canadian players. He also has the most goals by players from Canada.

Connor Bedard's overtime heroics for Canada in the quarterfinals set up a USA vs. Canada match on Wednesday.

Canada and the U.S. have won seven of the last 10 gold medals in the World Junior Championship. Finland won the other three golds.

Chicago is 8-25-4 and has the fewest points in the NHL. Anaheim and Columbus have 24 points. Chicago would be the leading contender to get the first overall pick.