Defending champions Finland experienced another disappointment at their home World Cup on Monday evening (May 15th, 2023).
The Olympic champion, who had won two golds and one silver at the three most recent world championships, also had to lose 1:2 (0:0, 0:1, 1:0, 0:0 , 0:1) after a penalty shoot-out in a duel with Sweden.
The Finns have only been able to win against Germany (4:3). With four points, the hosts are only fourth in Group A. After three defeats at the start, Germany is in seventh and penultimate place.
Latvia surprises against the Czech Republic
In Group B, Latvia caused an upset. The second host defeated the Czech Republic, third in the World Cup, 4:3 (1:0, 1:2, 1:1, 1:0) after extra time in Riga. Oskars Batna scored the decisive and much acclaimed goal for the Latvians in the 65th minute.
Record world champions Canada had previously won their third game. The North Americans prevailed in Riga 2-1 (1-1, 0-0, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0) after a penalty shoot-out against Slovakia, who came third in the Olympics. NHL pro Jake Neighbors from the St. Louis Blues (8th) scored the goal for Canada in front of 4,640 spectators.
Peter Cehlarik (17th) equalized in the first third for the Slovaks. The Canadians then kept their nerves in the penalty shoot-out. With three wins from three games, the Canadians lead the table ahead of the Czech Republic and Switzerland.