Czech Republic and Slovakia win IIHF World Championships

Switzerland demolished Denmark 8-0, led by three goals from Kevin Fiala and Nico Hischier, securing their playoff spot and reclaiming the top position in Group A on day eight of the IIHF World Championship. Sweden, despite losing a 2-0 lead to Latvia in Ostrava, ultimately secured a convincing 7-2 victory, ensuring their place in the quarter-finals.

Denmark 0 Switzerland 8

The undefeated Swiss took the lead just four minutes in. Kevin Fiala charged into the left circle and passed to Nico Hischier, who scored at the opposite post. The Danes briefly fought back with a Matthias Lassen faceoff.

In the 18th minute, captain Roman Josi capitalized on a Danish cross, delivering a backhand strike past goalie Frederik Dichow.

Just 39 seconds into the second period, the Swiss punished Nick Olesen’s penalty from the end of the first period. Andres Ambuhl passed to Fiala, who beat a diving Dichow.

Fiala scored again at 23:58, sliding the puck past Dichow after circling the net following a pass from Hischier. The Danes couldn’t capitalize when Calvin Thurkauf was penalized, and the Swiss scored again in the 34th minute with a Dario Simion pass converted by Sven Senteler.

Mathias Seldrup replaced Dichow for the third period. Patrick Russell had a goal disallowed after a video review. In the 43rd minute, Thurkauf scored shorthanded, followed by goals from Christoph Bertschy and Tristan Scherwey, completing the 8-0 rout.

Latvia 2 Sweden 7

Latvia, who eliminated Sweden in last year’s quarter-finals, couldn’t surprise the favorites this time. Sweden took the lead in the fifth minute when Rasmus Dahlin hit the bar, followed by a goal from Jonas Brodin two minutes later. Janis Jaks hit the bar in response.

Latvia equalized within 23 seconds at the start of the second period. Kaspars Daugavins scored his fourth goal of the tournament, and an own goal by Brodin leveled the score. Dahlin was sent off for a foul, but Latvia couldn’t capitalize on the powerplay.

Sweden then scored three quick goals: Fabian Zetterlund scored twice within 17 seconds, and Joel Eriksson Ek added another nine seconds later. Marcus Pettersson scored, prompting a goalie change for Latvia. Despite a missed powerplay, Sweden sealed the game with a goal from Marcus Johansson.

Canada 5 Finland 3

Finland started strong, with Jesse Puljujarvi scoring in just 95 seconds and Valtteri Puustinen adding another shortly after. Dylan Cozens reduced the deficit for Canada, and Brandon Tanev tied the game after a lengthy review.

In the second period, both teams had powerplay opportunities. Dawson Mercer failed to score shorthanded, and Puljujarvi regained Finland’s lead. Bowen Byram was sent off for five minutes, but Canada tied the game during a four-on-four.

In the third period, Finland couldn’t capitalize on their powerplay. Pierre-Luc Dubois assisted Brandon Hagel for the go-ahead goal in the 52nd minute. With 100 seconds left, Canada secured the win with an empty-net goal from Mercer.

Germany 4 Poland 2

Germany, coming off high-scoring wins, struggled offensively but managed a 4-2 victory over Poland in Ostrava. Despite Poland starting strong, Germany gained momentum and Alex Ehl scored on a counter-attack in the 25th minute. JJ Peterka extended the lead with a penalty shot.

Yasin Ehliz added another goal in the 45th minute. Poland reduced the deficit with goals from Patryk Wajda and Filip Komorski, but Peterka’s second goal sealed the win for Germany, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.

France 2 Slovakia 4

After a cautious start, Juraj Slafkovsky missed an early chance for Slovakia. Regenda rewarded his team with a goal just before the end of the first period.

In the second period, Libor Hudacek scored twice for Slovakia, and Sacha Treille scored for France. Quentin Papillon replaced Ylonen in the third period, but Slovakia extended their lead with a goal from Mario Grman. Florian Chakiachvili scored a late goal for France, but Slovakia secured the 4-2 victory.

Czech Republic 4 Great Britain 1

Hosts Czech Republic continued their strong form with a 4-1 win against Great Britain in Prague. Lukas Sedlak opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by a goal from Jakub Krejcik.

Sedlak scored again to make it 3-0, but Evan Mosey scored for Great Britain. Ondrej Kase rounded off the scoring for the Czechs, who moved to the top of Group A and secured their spot in the quarter-finals in front of a sold-out Prague Arena.