In the last two minutes, the Canadians covered Sandro Aeschlimann with shots. But the HCD goalie, a certain Bündner value that evening, thwarted all attacks by coach Travis Green’s team.
The Davos saved the 2:1 lead with a bang and were able to celebrate the first victory over their archrival since 2014 – and that in front of a full house (6267 spectators).
Davos dream start
The hosts had laid the foundation for success in a furious start phase. Less than two minutes had passed when HCD was already two lengths ahead:
- It takes 31 seconds for the spectators in the hall to be ripped off their seats for the first time. Enzo Corvi grabs the disc in the slot, serves Andrew Rowe, who is completely free on the right side, who nets it without any problems.
- Only 84 seconds later, the disc wriggles in the net behind national goalie Connor Hughes for the second time. After the Canadians lost a disc, Dennis Rasmussen reacted the quickest and hung up the slot for Leon Bristedt. The Swede succeeds from close range.
Team Canada reacts – but not vehemently enough
It took the Canadians a while to recover from the double shock. They were far from reacting, instead Christian Wohlwend’s team sniffed at the third goal. The longer the game lasted, the better the “maple leaves” got going.
The Canadian pressure phase reached its climax in the 38th minute: Brett Connolly pulled from the blue line and defeated Aeschlimann, who was blinded. The Bündner goalkeeper had previously parried the attempts of Brendan Perlini (31st) and Daniel Carr (33rd).
In the final third, the Canadians tried to turn the game upside down. But an outstanding Davos goalkeeper and the lack of power in their own offensive sealed the second defeat in the second game.
Here’s how to proceed
HC Davos will meet Sparta Prague in the last game of the Cattini group on Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. The group winner is directly qualified for the semi-finals. Team Canada has to advance to the intermediate round to reach the semi-finals.