USA come through tight Swiss battle to keep semi hopes alive

Wanting to make up for their poor result against Sweden yesterday, Jack Drury game the USA the perfect start - putting them ahead with a well-placed wrist shot through traffic with just 1:09 on the board. The Americans were the more dangerous side for most of the opening period, however could not add to their tally, something they would later pay for. A perfect pass from Valentine Bussbaumer found Gian Marco Wetter free at the top of the crease to deflect home with 16:45 played.

The score stayed tied into the middle period, with the USA again looking more dangerous offensively but Switzerland finding some joy on break-outs. The sides traded penalties but neither were unable to find a breakthrough, With the game back at even odd strength, the USA re-gained their lead 37:27 played when Curtin Hall found the net from close range.

Switzerland had the chance to level things up with a man advantage at the start of the third period, but were unable to muster any real scoring chances. Despite the USA returning to five men, it was the team in red who put on most of the pressure for long stretches of the period although pucks going more often wide than on target. Switzerland tried to tie the game late, pulled the goalie, but nothing was doing and the USA held on for a 2-1 win.