After not holding the tournament last year due to COVID-19, the IIHF World Championships have come back in style. While the tournament is not necessarily a “best-on-best” tournament, this year’s edition has been as unpredictable as it is entertaining. In the first few days of the tournament, countries such as Latvia, Denmark and Belarus, who are not viewed as hockey powers, have made splashes. The host-Latvians shutout the high-powered Canadians, while Denmark took down Sweden. Belarus also beat the Swedes, with Kazakhstan beating Finland in a shootout. On Monday, the Russians get set to take on Slovakia, who, while they may not be filled with superstars, have the ability to pull of the upset. The Russians and Slovaks are two of four teams that are 2-0 so far this tournament, with Germany and Switzerland also undefeated through two games. Russia is led by Anton Burdasov and Mikhail Grigorenko, each are tied for third in the tournament with four points, with Burdasov scoring twice and earning an assist in Russia’s win against Great Britain. Slovakia’s wins may be not superbly noteworthy, defeating Belarus and Great Britain, so they will have to be on their ‘A’ game against the Russians. It's that special time of year, when Stanley Cup playoff action is heating up and the hockey world can also watch their countries go for gold. After the 2020 tournament was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IIHF Men's World Championship is back in 2021. Sixteen teams will compete in the 17-day tourney set to take place in Latvia. Normally a way for NHLers who don't make the postseason to continue plying their trade, the 2021 tournament is jam-packed with youngsters aiming to prove their NHL worth, including a number of prospects set to be drafted in July. Among the group of first-round hopefuls are the United States' Matty Beniers (who won gold at the 2021 juniors) and Canada's Owen Power. There are also recent top draft picks such as Canada's Cole Perfetti (Jets) and Braden Schneider (Rangers). USA Hockey is aiming for its third gold medal (1933 and 1960) while Hockey Canada is going for gold medal No. 26 and its first since 2016. If Canada does snag the gold, then it will tie Russia/the Soviet Union for the most in tournament history. Here's everything to know about the 2021 world ice hockey championship, including how to watch games on TV and stream online, plus the full schedule, scores and standings Sixteen teams divided into two groups will compete in the preliminary round. Each team will play the other seven teams in their group over the course of the first 12 days of the competition ending on June 1. The top four teams in each group after the prelims will advance to the quarterfinals on June 3. After the semifinals on June 5, the bronze-medal and gold-medal games will take place on Sunday, June 6.