Ice hockey: Switzerland loses to Finland

Switzerland started the Karjala Cup with a defeat. Patrick Fischer’s players lost 3-2 in Helsinki with a success from Robin Salo.

Different season but similar result. Like last year, the Swiss team failed to surprise Finland at home. But unlike 2023, it really hasn’t gone far.

Two good first thirds

This Switzerland version at the end of 2024 seems to have retained the attributes of the world vice-champion team in May, even if we know, without the NHL players and this early in the season, it is not the same.

Still, the Helvetians were able to keep their backs in front of Stéphane Charlin during the first period, while showing themselves to be dangerous, notably through Theo Rochette who missed a face-to-face with Harri Säteri during the first period. And during the middle third, they were able to deceive the Bienne goalkeeper twice. It was first of all the Genevan Giancarlo Chanton who scored his first goal (28th) in his first selection, well helped it must be admitted by Säteri who made a mistake while the garnet defender’s shot came from behind the goal line. And in the 38th minute, it was Fabrice Herzog who took advantage of a rebound of the puck behind the goal to surprise everyone and double the lead.

However, we could not say that Patrick Fischer’s men had the match in hand. Because the Finns have pride and they have some nice players in their ranks. In the 46th minute, it was Zurich defender Mikko Lehtonen who reduced the score. And in the 55th minute, it was Charlin’s teammate at Langnau, Harri Pesonen, who was able to equalize.

Salo Shot

Switzerland reacted well by killing a penalty in the last two minutes of the third period, but they were not quick enough in overtime when Robin Salo was able to offer victory to his country.

After a Friday without a match, Patrick Fischer’s selection will come up against his bete noire, Sweden, on Saturday.

ATS

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