IIHF World Championship Roundup: Denmark Edges Great Britain, Germany Dominates Kazakhstan

Germany continued their goal-scoring spree at the World Cup in Ostrava, thrashing Kazakhstan 8-2 to secure their third win in five games and move closer to the quarter-finals. The defending silver medallists established a commanding lead in the second period, with John Peterka contributing a goal and three assists, and Wojciech Stachowiak adding four assists. Meanwhile, in Group A action in Prague, Denmark narrowly defeated Great Britain 4-3, leaving the British team still searching for their first point of the tournament.

Germany 8, Kazakhstan 2

Germany started the game perfectly, taking the lead just 62 seconds in. Goaltender Andrej Shutov stopped the first two shots, but the puck deflected off teammate Leonid Metalnikov’s skate into the net. A minute later, Parker Tuomie added a second goal, hitting the bar before the puck found its way in.

Goaltender Philipp Grubauer made his first save in the seventh minute, but Kazakhstan quickly reduced the deficit. In their first powerplay, captain Roman Starchenko capitalized on a surprise backpass from Yevgeni Rymarev. Despite matching Germany’s pace, Kazakhstan couldn’t equalize.

At the end of the first period, Dominik Kahun had a great chance, but Shutov made the save. Early in the second period, JJ Peterka scored Germany’s third goal. Kirill Savitsky hit the bar in an attempt to reduce the deficit, and Grubauer saved Kirill Panyukov’s shot during a powerplay. The Kazakhs’ strong play ended with Maxim Mukhametov’s shot.

Germany continued to score, with Lukas Reichel punishing a midfield mistake to beat Nikita Boyarkin, who had replaced Shutov. Although Kai Wissmann’s goal was disallowed for offside after a video review, Lukas Kaelble scored within the rules in the 36th minute.

In the final period, Kahun missed a chance to extend the lead, but Reichel soon scored his second goal. Korolyov managed to score for Kazakhstan, but Germany had the last word with shorthanded goals from Frederik Tiffels and Kastner, sealing the 8-2 victory.

Great Britain 3, Denmark 4

Great Britain, back in the elite division after a year’s absence, started strong in their fourth game of the tournament, seeking their first points. In the sixth minute, Liam Kirk surprised goalkeeper Frederik Dichow with a goal. Denmark quickly responded, with Mikkel Aagaard scoring from a rebound just 61 seconds later. Phillip Bruggisser then scored on a powerplay in the ninth minute, giving Denmark the lead, but Cade Neilson equalized for Great Britain midway through the 11th minute.

Early in the second period, Denmark regained the lead. Oscar Fisker Molgaard initiated the play, and Olesen and Aagaard combined to score past goalie Jackson Whistle. However, Nathanael Halbert’s precise shot in the 39th minute made it 3-3.

In the third period, the Brits defended against a Robert Dowd penalty, but Evan Mosey’s exclusion proved costly. Joachim Blichfeld passed to Weise, who scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute. Great Britain failed to equalize despite a powerplay opportunity from an Alexander True penalty, which was cut short by a penalty for too many players on the ice, and a final powerplay after Nicholas B. Jensen’s foul. The game ended 4-3 in favor of Denmark.