The battle for the two remaining places in the knockout stage of this year’s ice hockey world championship is reaching a climax, as some of the event’s favourites suffered unexpected defeats, putting their hopes of a play-off place in jeopardy.
Fans of the sport have this year been given plenty of surprises in the tournament in Sweden and Finland but have still seen six of the main teams already earn their quarter-final berths.
The United States, who topped the Helsinki group, have reserved their place in the last eight with the Finland and defending champions Russia.
They will be joined by unfancied Switzerland, who won their last world championship medals way back in 1953. They have played rock-solid hockey to top the group in Stockholm and secure a passage to the last eight.
The team, managed by Canadian Sean Simpson, clinched five regular-time wins, including over the co-hosts Sweden, last year’s bronze medalists Czech Republic and a shootout over 2010 Olympic champions Canada to collect 17 points from six matches — more than any other team at the event so far.
With just one match remaining against next year’s hosts Belarus, who cannot make the play-offs, Switzerland can finish the preliminary round as group winner.
Sweden and Canada have also qualified and will form the most likely other quarter-final pair in the Swedish capital.
Meanwhile, France, who beat Russia 2-1 in a shock result, are still hopeful of going through. They take on bottom-placed Latvia on Monday.
A win will lead to a head-to-head for the last remaining quarter-final place in Helsinki against Germany on Tuesday.
The Czech Republic, who won their last world crown in 2010, look far less impressive this year and are under threat of missing the play-offs after three defeats.
The Czechs are currently fifth, one point behind Norway, and need a win in their match on Tuesday to squeeze through to the play-offs of Stockholm group.
Their neighbours and last year’s runners-up Slovakia are also in danger as they share fourth place with Germany with just one match remaining.
On Tuesday, the Slovaks will face Helsinki group leaders the USA.
Battle on for ice hockey world championship
