Hopp Schwiiz

After a brilliant performance that perhaps should have earned them three points Switzerland managed to win points against Canada after winning the game in shootout. Reto Surri the big hero with scoring two goals in the shootout together with Martin Gerber who save eight penalty shots. "It was a very hard and physical game. We played our game as good as possible", Gerber said after the game.

Gerber celebrates the game winning save. Photo: Michal Eger.

Strengthen by a good performance against Sweden Switzerland came out really strong against Canada. The only bad four minutes in the first period for Switzerland was when they got a four minute long power play after a high sticking call against Stephane Robidas. A terrible power play by the Swiss but soon afterwards Denis Hollenstein got a chance in the slot and he relly took it beating Smith with a high and hard shot for 1-0.

Smith beaten for 1-0. Photo: Michal Eger.

Just as against Denmark Canada came out stronger in the second period and thanks to a couple of power plays they took over the momentum but they failed to really test Gerber even if Matt Read really should have tied the game when he took the puck pass Gerber but managed to get the puck wide of the open net. A few minutes later there was a great chance at the other end but Bieber's shot went over.

Canada would draw level and it was Andrew Ladd who scored for the maple leafs. A kind of a lucky goal when a bounce in the board gave the puck to Schenn who found Ladd in front. Ladd just had to put his stick to the puck for 1-1. Canada also had of bit of luck in the third when they took the lead out of nothing. Matt Read picked up a loose puck and ripped home 2-1 with a shot over Gerber's shoulder from a very close agnle.

"We didn't lost our patinece we just continued to play our game", Nino Niederreiter said about being down 1-2 after playing so good. And it was Niederreiter who would tie it for the Swiss after a crazy scramble in front of the Canadien goal. The puck went up in the air took a few bounces in the crease and after a few seconds with two defenders lying down in the crease the puck somehow went over the goalline and Niederreiter was given the goal. Of course a very lucky but also well deserved goal for Team Switzerland.

Photo: Michal Eger.

The result gives Switzerland five points out of two points were perhaps none was expected. After some bad years Switzerland seems to be heading back to the level they had a few years ago. Philippe Furrer had a good explanation of the success. "The Swiss team need a good team spirit and we have that with this team". How long can it take them?

Canada other the side still have a lot to prove but be sure that they will be there competing for the medals at the end.

Tweets by @eurohockey