Ice hockey: Switzerland defeats Canada and continues its clear round

Switzerland, already qualified for the quarter-finals before entering the ice, brilliantly imposed itself during the clash of group B against Canada on Saturday in Riga (2-3), thus continuing its faultless in this World Cup . A fifth consecutive success which does not suffer from any discussion as Nico Hischier and his teammates were the most playful.

A bit timid during the initial five minutes, Switzerland then took full control of the game. Carried by an ice rink filled with Swiss fans, Patrick Fischer’s men sent many shots (16) towards Samuel Montembeault’s cage during the first third. Despite several big chances – Malgin (14th), Corvi (18th) or Glauser (20th) – the Swiss remained silent.

It was finally André Tourigny’s players who shook the net first through Tyler Toffoli (30th) on the power play. A power-play that should never have existed. Joe Veleno having kicked Nino Niederreiter who then defended himself. Grison was curiously the only one to be sanctioned.

A revolt embodied by Hischier

A bad decision which did not impact the game of the Helvetians. In the 34th minute, Nico Hischier wandered into Canada’s defensive zone before scoring with an accurate shot. An equalizer which was followed by a second goal when Dario Simion (37th) was the quickest on a rebound after a sending from Christian Marti.

It was thought that Andres Ambühl (53rd) had scored the safety goal at the end of a well-conducted collective sequence, but the Canadians did not let go and reduced the mark by Michael Carcone (57th). Switzerland suffered until the end, but they resisted. To the delight of Arena Riga.

Sunday (7:20 p.m.) against the Czech Republic, Patrick Fischer’s troops will seek to consolidate their first place in the group.