There were four games played this week and there were several surprise results.
Czech Republic vs Germany
Following the Czech Republic’s win over Canada on Saturday, their next opponent, Germany, was considered an easier challenge. Germany was lacking its 2014 NHL Draft eligible star forward Leon Draisaitl due to suspension. However Germany was a tougher challenge for the Czechs than thought.
Germany finished the first period up by one on a goal from 2014 draft eligible forward Frederik Tiffels. The Germans would continue to drive through the Czech Republic putting another two goals past Marek Langhamer with Tiffels getting his second goal of the day. He would finish the game with three points.
The third period was scoreless with the Czechs unable to get a single shot past Marvin Cupper.
Final Score: 3-0 Germany.
Russia vs Finland
This was another game that went a little different than most would have expected. Russia would get the first goal after five minutes from Valeri Vasiliev, assisted by Pavel Buchnevich and Mikhail Grigorenko.
Finland would gain the lead during a three goal second period, including a powerplay goal. Dallas Stars prospect Esa Lindell would assist on the goal by Henrik Haapala. That goal would put the Finns ahead and that is where they would stay. The second period ended with them being up 3-1 over a dangerous Russian side.
The fourth period would see Finland putting the game beyond the reach of the Russians. They scored, again on the power play, less than eight minutes into the period. Joni Nikko would get the fourth goal for Finland. Juuse Saros would finish the game with a 0.966 save percentage.
Final Score: 4-1 Finland.
Slovakia- Canada
It was another nail biting game for Canadians as they were pushed to the edge by the Slovakian team.
The first period saw the Slovaks get the puck past Zach Fucale in under two minutes. David Griger would get the power play goal for the Slovaks. It would take until the last two minutes of the first period for Canada to level up a game courtesy of Curtis Lazar.
The second period saw the Canadians get punished more by the Slovaks power play. They would score two power play goals, one from David Griger and another from Martin Reway. Near the end of the period scoring machine Anthony Mantha would bring the game to within one heading into the third period.
The Slovaks would turn their game into an effort to hold onto their one goal lead. It worked until the last six minutes of the third period when Canada would put three goals past them. Jonathan Drouin would tie up the game with an assist from Mantha. A silly penalty later and the Slovaks were behind for the first time. Nic Petan would get the power play goal that would prove to be the game winner for Canada. He would add an empty net goal to put it beyond reach.
This was a game that was far closer than any would have anticipated. Canada is still to face the USA in their group and that game could decide who finishes atop Group A. Canada will get reinforcements in the form of Griffin Reinhart who will have served his IIHF suspension from last years WJC.
Final Score: 5-3 Canada
Switzerland- Norway
The last game of the day saw two sides who have had similar results in the WJC. The victor could decide who will enter the relegation round at the tournament.
The first period started well for the Norweigians as they got ahead from a goal by Erlend Lesund. It was their second goal of the entire tournament.
The lead wouldn’t last through the second period however as the Swiss equalized after five minutes with a goal from Fabrice Herzog on the power play.
The third period would see three goals being scored on the power play. Two from the Swiss and one from Norway. The Swiss would take the lead of the game for the first time just over 8 minutes into the third period on a goal from Anthony Rouiller. Norway would equalize several minutes later on a goal by Christoffer Rasch. Mirco Mueller would put Switzerland ahead with the game winner two minutes later.
Final Score: 3-2 Switzerland.