Andres Ambuhl scored the eventual game-winning goal midway through the third period as Switzerland defeated Canada 3-2 in an important Group B game at the Ice Hockey World Championship on Saturday in Riga, Latvia.
Nico Hischier and Dario Simion, both in the second period, also beat Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault, who faced 26 shots, including 16 in the first period.
“I think we showed a bit of nervousness and weren’t as aggressive as we wanted to be. In the third period, we were more intense and quicker on the forecheck, which allowed us to create more chances, so that’s positive. We have to focus on our defensive game, because this aspect will be crucial between now and the end of the tournament. We have to give credit to the Swiss, who have worked really hard. It was a hard-fought match,” analyzed Canada’s head coach, André Torigny.
After a first period that ended with a score of 0-0, Tyler Toffoli had broken the tie in favor of Canada at 9:58 of the middle period, during a power play. Hischier tied the game some three minutes later, and Simion hit the target with three minutes on the clock.
Toffoli’s goal was his first of the tournament, and he comforted him.
“I feel like I’ve had a million chances in this tournament, and even though [Lawson] Crouse may have deflected my shot, I’ll take this goal,” said the former Montreal Canadiens forward.
“It feels good to score my first here. I will try to use it as motivation for the future. I hope to continue to create chances and keep a good eye on the opposing net. I want to keep scoring goals. »
After Ambuhl’s goal, Michael Carcone cut Switzerland’s lead to 3-2 by beating Leonardo Genoni at 16:22 of the third period. Canada, however, failed to secure the tying goal even after replacing Montembeault with a sixth skater.
With the loss, Canada (3-1-1-0 — 11 points) sits third in the Group B standings with two games left in the preliminary round.
They are four points behind Switzerland, who have won all five of their games in regular time, giving them the maximum points available so far, 15.
Canada will play its next games Monday against Norway (1-0-3-1 — 4 points) and Tuesday against Czech Republic (4-0-0-1 — 13 points), which sits second in Group B.
Earlier on Saturday, Dominik Kubalik and Jakub Flek found the back of the net about six minutes apart in the second half of the first half and those goals were enough to give the Czech Republic a 2-0 victory over Norway. Kubalik broke the tie 12:33 into the opening frame with his seventh goal of the tournament in five games, on a power play.
In another Group B game later on Saturday, Kazakhstan (0-2-3-0 — 4 points) takes on Latvia (2-1-2-0 — 8 points).
The United States remains perfect
In a Group A match played in Tampere, Finland, the United States collected a fifth regulation victory in as many outings, beating Denmark 3-0.
The Americans had to wait until midway through the third period to score their first goal when Cutter Gauthier beat goaltender George Sorensen on a power play at 9:51.
Alex Tuch was the mainstay of the win with a one-goal performance and two assists while Rocco Grimaldi added a goal and an assist.
Casey DeSmith stopped all 22 Denmark shots (2-0-2-1 — 8 points) and was credited with the shutout.
In another Group A match, Finland stayed two points behind the United States with a 3-1 win over Austria. Finland has four wins and 13 points, but has played one game more than the United States.
In the last duel of the day in Group A, Sweden (3-1-0-0 — 11 points) battle France (0-1-1-2 — 4 points).