Defending champions Finland experienced another disappointment at their home World Cup.
The Olympic champion, who had won two gold medals and one silver medal at the last three 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.
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. Record world champions Canada had previously won their third game. The North Americans defeated Slovakia, third at the Olympics, 2-1 (1-1, 0-0, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0) after a penalty shoot-out in Riga on Monday.
NHL professional Jake Neighbors from the St. Louis Blues (8th) scored the goal for Canada in front of 4640 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.