Switzerland defeats Slovakia in penalty shoot-out
The Swiss national hockey team won its first match of the Deutschland Cup on Friday, defeating Slovakia 2-1 after a penalty shoot-out.
Both teams took their time finding their marks in Hanover. In the first period, Switzerland was more incisive, but the team was often a man short as Swiss players spent time cooling off in the sin bin.
Davos’ Michel Riesen had the best opportunity of scoring in the 12th minute when he faced the Slovak goaltender alone.
After a scoreless first period, the Swiss came back on the ice with better intentions. In the opening 10 minutes, André Rötheli, Martin Plüss and Alain Demuth missed chances.
The Slovaks also started to emerge from their early lethargy, but Swiss goalkeeper Martin Gerber fended off the threat. With his team struggling to break through, Switzerland’s coach, Ralph Krueger, started changing his line-up, switching Riesen with Patric Della Rossa.
It was Sandy Jeannin who finally put the Swiss ahead in the 37th minute. The Lugano player had already scored against Team Canada on Wednesday in Zurich.
Slovak pressure
In the final period, the Swiss came out to defend their meagre advantage. They failed to shoot at the Slovak goalkeeper during the last 20 minutes of regulation time.
The tactic did not prevent the Slovaks from scoring though. Kulha shot at the goal, and the puck bounced off Rolf Ziegler to get past Gerber.
The keeper didn’t let the opposition score again despite the Slovak’s often fierce pressure on the Swiss goal. Switzerland’s defence was found wanting towards the end of the match.
Gerber was once again the hero during the ensuing penalty shoot-out. Despite letting the Slovaks score three times in row, he fended off the decisive shots. His teammates kept their end of the bargain, finding the mark five times and giving Switzerland a hard-fought victory.
Ralph Krueger found the match a learning experience. “We played well at the beginning of the match because we worked hard,” he said.
While he appreciates this second victory of the season, he also realises luck played a role. “Penalty shoot-outs are always a lottery and victory goes to the luckiest team. This positive result is a good step towards Salt Lake City Games though.”
Switzerland will face Team Canada again on Saturday and the Germans on Sunday. These two teams played against each other on Friday, Germany defeating the Canadians 3-2.
Switzerland plays two more friendly games against Slovakia in the United States, before the start of the Olympics.
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