Two-time world champions Finland won all seven of their preliminary group matches, including against reigning champions Canada, but the upcoming play-off round will be a completely new test. Today, Finland will face Denmark in a quest for their first medal since 2014 and possibly a first title since 2011.
Denmark, who have previously played in the world championship knockout stage only once in 2010, when they finished eighth, their best ever placing to date, seem to be the most favourable quarter-final opponents.
However, the Finns expect a tough match today against the Danes, who managed to upset Group A winners the Czech Republic 2-1 on their way to the play-offs. “Denmark are strong team,” Finland forward Aleksandr Barkov said. “They have three NHL forwards in their roster. No doubts they will battle tough but we’re also intending to win. I expect an interesting game.” When these teams last met at the 2014 world championship, Finland won 3-2. That year, Finland finished as runners-up.
Meanwhile, the hosts Russia, seeking redemption for last year’s humiliating 6-1 defeat in the final at the hands of Canada, will take on Germany for a place in the semis. Russia, who were beaten 3-0 by Czech Republic in the campaign-opener, brushed off their slow start to chalk up six wins in the next six matches.
Though Germany, winners of Olympic bronze medals in 1932 and 1976, along with silver medals of the world championships in 1930 and 1953, have not played in the play-offs since 2011, Russia take their opponents seriously. “Germany are a very mobile and very experienced team,” Russia skipper Pavel Datsyuk said. “They’re always dangerous. It will be a serious mistake to take them lightly.”
Germany, meanwhile are ready for the challenge. “Yeah, we’re happy we’ve moved on to the next round.
But we can’t be satisfied with that,” forward Marcel Goc said. “We’re underdogs but we will throw everything against them that we have. We have to wait until we get our chances and hope we can bury some.”
Defending champions Canada will clash with Sweden on the ice of Saint Petersburg’s Yubileiny Arena, which will be the two teams’ 112th meeting at the worlds. Canada have won 55 games, while Sweden have 48 victories to their name, with eight draws. In their group, Canada scored 34 goals and only conceded eight, the preliminary round’s best record. Canada manager Bill Peters said that despite the 4-0 defeat at the hands of Finland in the last Group B game he remains confident. “We play as a single unit and count on all of our players,” he said. “The match with the Swedes is going to be a tough test and we need to show our best hockey on Thursday. But I believe we will be ready to do that.”
The Czech Republic will face the United States in Moscow’s first quarter-final. Czech manager Vladimir Vujtek said he is ready for a tough encounter with the Americans. “We did not chose our quarter-final opponents, we just wanted to win our group,” he said.”I’m pleased that we managed to do that, to finish ahead of strong Russian team.
“Now we need to prepare for the match with team USA the best possible way. No doubts it will be a hard match.” The US meanwhile said that they were happy to avoid meeting Russia in the last eight.
“We’re happy we will not play Russia in the quarter-finals,” Arizona Coyotes rear guard Connor Murphy said.”It’s very hard to oppose Russians at their home ice. Anyway there are no weak opponents in the last eight, only the best teams managed to battle into the play-offs. And if we want to win the title we must be ready to beat any rivals.”