Switzerland delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, ending Denmark’s fairytale run with a 7–0 thrashing to book their place in the IIHF World Championship final, where they will face the United States.
Just two days after Denmark stunned the hockey world by defeating tournament favourites Canada, their dream was brutally dashed by a clinical Swiss side in Prague. NHL veteran Nino Niederreiter opened the scoring for Switzerland in the first period, though the goal required a lengthy five-minute review after the puck appeared to deflect off his leg. Replays confirmed the puck had bounced in off his shin pad unintentionally, and the goal stood.
Ken Jäger quickly added a second, his shot ricocheting off Danish defenceman Markus Lauridsen’s shoulder and into the net. Niederreiter then struck again to make it 3–0 as Switzerland asserted complete control by the end of the opening period.
The Swiss continued their offensive assault early in the second, with Denis Malgin showcasing his skill to score a fourth, marking his first goal of the tournament. Sandro Schmid, who had earlier taken a puck to the face, returned to add a fifth in the third period.
Jonas Siegenthaler thought he had added a sixth with a fine solo effort, but the goal was chalked off for offside. Switzerland weren’t done, though — Damien Riat and Tyler Moy each found the net to seal a resounding 7–0 victory.
Denmark, co-hosts of the tournament alongside Sweden, had no answer to the Swiss onslaught, managing only scattered chances. Their captain, Jesper Jensen Aabo, admitted the team had struggled to recover from an early onslaught.
“The Swiss are a great team. We were hoping for a tighter game,” Aabo said post-match. “We got off to a really tough start. Now we just have to forget about this game. Tomorrow, we want to make history and win the bronze medal. We have to put a smile on our faces.”
Denmark will now face their Scandinavian neighbours and fellow hosts Sweden in Sunday’s bronze medal match, after the Swedes fell 6–2 to a rampant USA side in the other semi-final.
Switzerland, meanwhile, head into the final full of confidence, chasing what would be their first world championship title.