Switzerland remain on top in Stockholm

It seems like further this tournament goes the more important power play is. Yesterday both Canada and Czech Republic had three goals on the PP and today Switzerland did the same thing when they won 4-1 against Denmark who once again made a solid effort but wasn't good enough for points.

"Power play is a big part and they had a great power play", Denmark's Philip Larsen said.

There was some action early in this game, first Denmark had shot in the post and at 1:55 Switzerland took the lead when Luca Cunti pushed in a power play rebound from close range. After that the game lost tempo and not many chances were created except for on power plays.

It took until 11:02 into the second period for the second goal to be scored, another power play goal this time by Ryan Gardner assisted by von Günten and Josi. Three minutes later Denmark found their way back to the when Nicklas Jensen who just arrived from Vancouver circled around the net and after his first attempt was saved he managed to score on the rebound.

A goal for Jensen in his first ever World Championship game, a dream coming true. "It was nice to score but it would have been better if we won", Jensen said and added "It's a great experience, something I've been dreaming about since I was a kid".

Even if Switzerland was better Denmark had their chances. Photo: Michal Eger

Both teams had some chances for the important next goal but it was the Swiss who took it 3:47 into the third period when a shot by Reto Suri that was decent but didn't look unstoppable beat Patrick Galbraith on the glove side. However a nice combination by the Swiss to set up the goal.

Switzerland killed the game with another power play goal just when Denmark was going back to full strength, Nino Niederreiter pushed in the puck between Galbraith's skate and the post for 4-1 with five minutes left of the game.

"The start was good, second worse and in the third we found it again", Switzerland's Ryan Gardner said about the parts of the game and about why the team is performing so well this year he said "We're patient and stick to our plan. Every players is contributing and all lines score".

Ryan Gardner. Photo: Michal Eger

Switzerland remains unbeaten at the top of the Stockholm group and now has game against Norway and Belarus left to play. Denmark still only has three points and will need some more against Belarus and Sweden to be completely safe from relegation but they should be quite safe anyway as Slovenia has to do big upsets against Sweden and Canada to pass Denmark.

The Swiss fans are the best in Stockholm, just as their team. Photo: Michal Eger

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