2019 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships – Czech Republic vs Switzerland Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Czech Republic vs Switzerland start? Tuesday 21st May, 2019 – 11:15 (UK)
Where is Czech Republic vs Switzerland being played? Ondrej Nepela Arena, Slovakia
What television channel is Czech Republic vs Switzerland on in the UK? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Czech Republic vs Switzerland in the UK? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for Czech Republic vs Switzerland? https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/static/6180/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Czech Republic 5-4 Switzerland
THE TEAM NEWS
CZECH REPUBLIC
- Czech Republic made it back-to-back shutout wins as they secured a quarter-final berth with a big win over a weakened Austria side and will now have their eyes on a fourth straight victory.
- The Czechs beat Austria 8-0 which was their second consecutive success by that scoreline after seeing off Italy in their previous game which took them to second in the Group B standings.
- Filip Hronek has gained a lot of attention for his performances at the 2019 IIHF World Championships and will be key for the Czechs moving forward with the defenceman contributing seven points, the highest of any defender in the tournament.
SWITZERLAND
- Switzerland will compete in the quarter-finals despite two consecutive defeats with the Swiss following up their narrow loss to Sweden with a shutout against Russia as they dropped to fourth in the standings.
- The Swiss were outplayed by the unbeaten Russians but will feel confident of competing in the quarter-finals with their defence still one of the best in the competition with just nine goals conceded.
- Switzerland have been boosted by the arrival of forward Nino Niederreiter and he could make his first appearance of the tournament with the Swiss hoping he can contribute like he did in their silver medal run last year.
THE PREDICTION
Two quarter-finalists meet in the final round robin match of the competition with the Czech Republic and Switzerland both hoping for a confidence-boosting win ahead of their respective fixtures in the last eight. Switzerland have found it tough going in their last two matches and have succumbed to defeat against two of the other quarter-finalists out of Group B and this could well be a third consecutive loss with the Czechs likely to have too much for them.
