The World Championship started with a first major surprise. Finland, defending champions, lost at home in Tampere 4-1 against the United States. In the other group, that of Switzerland, Canada played against Latvia (6-0) in Riga.
The Finns fell from above in front of their supporters. They had however opened the mark at the 18th in numerical superiority thanks to Teemu Hartikainen, master artificer of Geneva-Servette, served by the Biennois Jere Sallinen in the role of Linus Omark at the Vernets.
Afterwards, it was much worse. The Americans, who line up a selection without a big name, pleasantly surprised. Buffalo Sabers forward Alex Tuch scored a late brace to secure the American success.
The Latvian Nightmare
For its debut in front of its public, Latvia hoped to repeat its feat of 2 years ago when it beat the same Canada 2-0 on the ice of Riga. This time, nothing went in the right direction. The Canadiens opened the scoring after just 52” by Lawson Crouse of the Arizona Coyotes. Worse, Scott Laughton (Philadelphia) doubled the lead after less than 5′, causing the exit of Lausanne HC goalkeeper, Ivars Punnenovs.
Attractive, the Canadian selection rolled out to win 6-0 and spoil the evening for the Latvians who lined up Ronalds Kenins (Lausanne) and Deniss Smirnovs (Geneva-Servette). In Tampere, it was not until the 42nd that the Sweden of Tömmernes and De La Rose scored the only goal of the match by Oscar Lindberg (CP Bern) against the Germany of coach Harold Kreis (ex-Zurich Lions ).
ats/bur
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2023-05-12 20:36:12
#Hockey #World #Cup #Finland #surprised #home #USA
