Fasth’s third shutout takes Sweden to quarter final

Sweden felt like the better team during the first two period but played with a low tempo and failed to beat Leonardo Genoni in the Swiss goal. Switzerland played surprisingly shy game but wasn't undangerous but failed to score any goals on a solid Viktor Fasth who made his third shutout in four games. After two periods the score was still 0-0. "A defense with stability and that we work hard for eachother", Fasth explained his success.

In the third period Switzerland came out stronger and had some good chances to take the lead but it was Sweden that took the lead when Mikael Backlund scored with a very slapshot from a position between the bluline and the left face of circle. The rest of the period was bad with low energy. Switzerland made a last effort to come back by pulling the goalie but were never close. Instead Mikael Backlund made it 2-0 despite the puck never crossed the goalline. With Backlund racing for an empty net a Swiss defender throw his stick and a goal was awarded.

"It was a real fight today, it felt like Switzerland played for not to lose, I think we were much better than Switzerland", Sweden's head coach said after the game. Sweden played on only five defenders after some injury problems and they are now hoping for Detroit to lose tonight to get some reinforcement from the Red Wings. If Detroit wins David Rundblad will be added to the roster instead.

Sweden is now qualified for the quarter finals and will play Canada in a game for the group win on Monday. Switzerland needs to beat USA but that won't be enough if Norway beats France.

 

Advanced player search

Tweets by @eurohockey