2019 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships – Canada vs Switzerland Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Canada vs Switzerland start? Thursday 23rd May, 2019 – 15:15 (UK)
Where is Canada vs Switzerland being played? Steel Arena, Slovakia
What television channel is Canada vs Switzerland on in the UK? This match will be not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Canada vs Switzerland in the UK? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for Canada vs Switzerland? https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/static/6180/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Canada 2-3 Switzerland
THE TEAM NEWS
CANADA
- Canada made it six wins in a row as they secured an impressive 3-0 victory over the USA in their last group match and with that win, the Canadians were able to progress to the quarter-finals having topped Group A.
- The shutout win was enough to put Canada on 18 points and after Finland went down to Germany in their final round robin match, they could only finish on 16 points to give Canada what would be deemed as a weaker quarter-final opponent.
- Canada have been handed a big blow ahead of the quarter-final with the news that in-form forward Anthony Mantha has been hit with a one-match ban following a checking to the head and neck violation.
SWITZERLAND
- After four consecutive wins to start their campaign, Switzerland failed to win any of their following three fixtures and head into the quarter-final against a dangerous Canada outfit in poor form.
- Switzerland went down 5-4 to the Czech Republic thanks to a goal with under a minute and half remaining in the match which will have come as a big blow to the Swiss as they attempted to snap their losing streak.
- Switzerland head into this contest as big underdogs but that was the same as this stage last year before they made a surprise run to the final and will believe they can do so again with a fully-fit roster to choose from.
THE PREDICTION
Canada have looked like one of the most dangerous teams in the 2019 IIHF World Championships, winning six games in a row after their shock opening day defeat to Finland. They now face Switzerland in this last-eight contest but the Swiss will have to overcome some poor form to win. They have failed to win any of their last three games which is not ideal preparation for facing the dangerous Canadians and it should prove too big a task for them with Canada likely to progress to the semi-finals.
