Slovakia – France

Yesterday, they met in Zvolen and Slovakia deservedly won 4:2. The Slovaks outshot the French 36:15 and didn’t allow them many chances. France scored one random goal on a deflected shot from the blue line and another during a 6-on-5 in the final minute, which went in off a skate. The referees reviewed the controversial moment for a long time, but ultimately decided to allow the goal. France had very few real chances to score, and their goals were more or less lucky ones.

Today's game should be similar, with Slovakia dictating the pace and France spending most of the game defending. Slovakia is expected to be boosted by AHL reinforcements Dvorský, Honzek, and Chromiak, as well as domestic league finalists Rosandič, Čederle, and also Kristof. With these players joining, the quality on Slovakia’s side should be even higher, and they should comfortably win by multiple goals.

Pick: Slovakia to win with -1.5 handicap @ 1.71 (Tipsport) – 2/5 confidence.