Swiss beat US in last world championship test
Switzerland's ice hockey team appear to be in good shape for the start of the world championships, after beating the United States 6-2 in their final warm-up match.
Facing a side stuffed with no less than 17 NHL players, the Swiss team took control of Wednesday’s match with two powerplay goals either side of the first break. Flavien Conne fired Switzerland into a 2-1 lead in the 18th minute, before defender Patrick Sutter made it 3-1 in the 23rd.
The Americans reduced the Swiss lead to 3-2 halfway through the second period, but three more goals in the final period, from Gian-Marco Crameri, Michel Riesen and Sandy Jeannin saw Switzerland ease to their first win over the US in nine years.
“We have confirmed that we have as strong a team as ever,” said an upbeat Ralph Krueger after the match. But the Swiss coach warned against complacency ahead of Saturday’s opening game against the world championship hosts, Germany.
“We can’t rest up,” he said. “This was a friendly match after all. But I am very satisfied with the way my players remained concentrated throughout our five preparation games.”
After coming in late for the injured Reto Pavoni, reserve goalkeeper Martin Gerber has virtually assured himself of a place in Saturday’s starting line-up. Krueger also plans to stick with the playing line-up used on Wednesday.
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