The 2021 IIHF World Championship is back for 2021 in Riga, Latvia, and the Germany vs Latvia is set to run at the Arena Riga, Group B on Tuesday, Jun 1. The match starts at 1:15 p.m ET and will broadcast on NHL Network, TSN.
Here’s what you need to know to tune in:
- What: Germany vs Latvia Hockey
- When: Tuesday, Jun 1, 2021
- Where: Arena Riga
- Time: 1:15 p.m ET
- TV: NHL Network, TSN
- Live stream: Watch here (Free trial)
How to watch Germany vs Latvia hockey without cable
In the United States, every American game, along with select games of other countries, will be shown on NHL Network. NHL Network can be streamed on fuboTV and Sling TV. In Canada, TSN will air every game of the 2021 tournament with select games also appearing exclusively on TSN.ca or the TSN App.
FuboTV
You can watch a live stream of NHL Network (live in most markets), NHL Network and 100-plus other TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a free seven-day trial:
Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch Germany vs Latvia hockey live on the FuboTV app, which is available on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, Samsung Smart TV, Android TV, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. Or you can watch on your computer via the link here (Free trial).
If you can’t watch live, FuboTV also comes with 250 hours of cloud DVR space.
AT&T TV
AT&T TV has four different channel packages: “Entertainment”, “Choice”, “Ultimate” and “Premier.” (live in most markets) and NHL Network are included in every package, but you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free 14-day trial. NHL Network is on channel 638 in Standard Definition and channel 1638 in HD.
Note that the free trial isn’t advertised as such, but your “due today” amount will be $0 when signing up. If you watch on your computer, phone or tablet, you won’t be charged for 14 days. If you watch on a streaming device on your TV (Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, etc.), you will be charged for the first month, but you can get still get a full refund if you cancel before 14 days.
Once signed up for AT&T TV, you can watch Germany vs Latvia hockey live on the AT&T TV app, which is available on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. Or you can watch on your computer via the link here (Free trial).
If you can’t watch live, AT&T TV also comes with 20 hours of Cloud DVR storage (with the ability to upgrade to unlimited hours).
Sling TV
For the best NHL coverage on Sling, get Sling Blue + Sports Extra. That way, you can watch games broadcast regionally NBC select markets, games shown nationally on NBC, NBCSN or the Golf Channel and extra coverage on NHL Network.
Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch Germany vs Latvia hockey live on the Sling TV app, which is available on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Android TV, airTV Mini, Oculus, Portal, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. Or you can watch on your computer via the link here (Free trial).
If you can’t watch live, Sling TV comes included with 50 hours of cloud DVR.
Germany vs Latvia hockey preview
Germany has won 8 of 13 all-time meetings between the teams, but non-playoff games don’t get any bigger than this. It really is an elimination game. The Germans won their first three games, then lost their next three, so they’re trending in the wrong direction. Latvia, though, started with an historic win over Canada, 2-0, to get their tournament started, and have also lost their last three. Something’s gotta give.
What’s At Stake
Latvia is hosting the Worlds for the first time since 2006 and only the second time ever. There will be about 2,500 fans in the building for the game, and as everyone knows 2,500 Latvians can sound like 10,000 fans from anywhere else.
In 2006, Latvia failed to qualify for the playoffs, and to do so this year would be huge for the country’s hockey program and, given the pandemic, its morale. Germany, though, is in the middle of a revived program, and a loss would be a decided setback to their goal of being a medal contender by 2026.
It will be a winner-takes-it-all game for both Germany and Latvia. In one scenario both teams would advance: If Canada loses to Finland in OT/SO and the Germany-Latvia game ends up tied after 60 minutes going to OT/SO.
Best Player
Germany: Mattias Plachta leads the team with three goals and six points, and also in average ice time. He’s on for more than 20 minutes a game.
Latvia: Goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has surrendered only nine goals in four games and has been the foundation upon which coach Bob Hartley has built his team’s success this year. Kivlenieks will have to be the team’s best player if Latvia is to defeat Germany.
Did you know…?
Latvia has been in the top division every year since 1997 but has advanced to the playoff round only four times, losing each quarter-final game. A win today would be nothing short of monumental.
