24 hours after the surprising win against Team Canada, HC Davos has landed on the ground at the home tournament. Coach Christian Wohlwend’s team had absolutely no chance against Sparta Prague and now has to take the detour via the pre-semifinals.
The differences in performance between the Swiss record champions and the guest from the Czech Republic became particularly evident in the middle third. In the 22nd minute, Sparta, outnumbered (!), were allowed to try three times before they scored for the third time that evening behind HCD keeper Gilles Senn, who had previously responded brilliantly. Four minutes later, Jan Buchtele increased to 4:1. At the latest after the Czech double strike in the 33rd minute and the 6:1, the matter was over in the Davos ice rink.
To the chagrin of the home fans, the Czechs didn’t take their foot off the gas pedal in the final third either. The 2:9 was equivalent to the highest defeat at the home tournament in 42 years. In 1984, Davos lost 2:13 against Dukla Jihlava – also from the Czech Republic.
Black evening for Senn
Both teams had made a change in the goaltender position compared to their opening wins over Team Canada. At least for Davos, castling had an effect after just 83 seconds. Sparta striker Erik Thorell intercepted a risky pass from keeper Senn behind the goal and served the onrushing Michal Kempny.
The Czech didn’t need to be asked twice from a promising situation and scored with a well-placed shot to give Sparta the lead. 10 minutes later, Senn had to be defeated a second time. When Ostap Safin deflected, the goalkeeper had no chance to defend himself.
Meanwhile, his opponent Jakub Kovar spent a quiet evening thanks to his dominant front men. The former ZSC goalkeeper was defeated shortly before the end of the third. HCD top scorer Matej Stransky’s lucky 1:2 goal was 6.5 seconds short of the first half-time siren, and Andres Ambühl made it 2:9 21 seconds before the end of the game.
Here’s how to proceed
For Davos it is on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. against IFK Helsinki for the semi-final qualification. As group winners, Sparta Prague will be given a day off and will start their semi-finals on Friday at 3:15 p.m. You can see both games live on SRF.