2021 World Juniors: Russia vs. USA — Lineups & start time – Habs Eyes on the Prize

Russia vs. USA

How to watch

Puck drop: 9:30 PM EST / 6:30 PM PST
In Canada: TSN (English,) RDS (French)
In the United States: NHL Network
Live stream: TSN Direct, RDS Direct

With just one pre-tournament game to get the players up to speed in Edmonton, the 2021 World Juniors officially begin today. After opening matches between Switzerland and Slovakia, and Germany and Finland, the event gets its first blockbuster, with a game between the United States and last year’s runner-up, Russia.

The U.S. looked good in their game against Finland, dictating the play from start to finish, and getting a two-goal outburst from Cole Caufield early in the middle period, the second of which will be tough to beat for the best goal scored in the WJC bubble. Caufield and Team USA are looking for bounce-back performances after last year, and the early indication is that all parties are ready to make a run at gold.

Russia, meanwhile, was a split-second behind the action in an overall rough outing versus Canada. That’s nothing new for the Russians, who always seem to have slow starts and make you wonder if they will even get past the quarters, only to turn up their play when it matters most.

Comparing those two performances, it would appear that the United States has the upper hand, but a key matchup in what will be a difficult group may bring Russia out of hibernation a bit early this year.

Team Russia projected lineup

Team USA projected lineup

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