51 seconds were missing for a surprise: “We deserve more”

Two Ice Hockey World Cup games, two defeats, eleven goals conceded – that’s the bare numbers. And yet there is something like a glimmer of hope on the long journey to stay in the league. Austria’s national team has improved significantly compared to the sobering 5-1 defeat against Denmark in Prague and brought one of the co-favorites, Switzerland, to the brink of defeat. The team around Linz striker Lukas Haudum, who entered the shooting list twice, had the sensation on their bat in the spectacular and extremely close 5:6 (2:1, 2:3, 1:2). The decision was only made 51 seconds before the final siren. Thanks to one of the NHL stars in the Swiss team, Nico Hischier, who made everything clear with his team’s fifth power play goal.

The sentence that had previously been imposed on Bernd Wolf fell into the “borderline” category. Some are talking about a bonus for the 2018 World Cup runner-up. “That was a bitter call against us. Maybe it was a gift, but I don’t want to make excuses for the referees,” said defender Clemens Unterweger, who led the goal festival in the first third started with the 1-0. “We played a great game. It’s bitter because we deserved more.” Postscript: “We have proven that we can do it.” More of this please – ideally on Tuesday (8:20 p.m., ORF Sport+) against record world champions Canada.

But everything is still under the impression of the Switzerland game. “I’d be lying if I said I couldn’t care less.” Austria’s team boss Roger Bader still feels a tingling sensation when he goes against his compatriots. A dash of optimism should not be missing – and it was appropriate. “We learned the lessons from the Denmark game. Something like that only works with great team spirit. And we have that,” emphasized the long-time coach.

Leading 3-1, match puck for Marco Rossi

When Haudum increased the score to 3-1 in the power play after 21:48 minutes, the Swiss seemed to be on the ropes. “We wanted to show a reaction, against Denmark it was a pretty bad performance from start to finish,” said goal scorer Peter Schneider. Switzerland has world-class individual players – not only the three-time goalscorer Hischier, but also captain Roman Josi, who has defended extremely well for the Nashville Predators in the NHL since 2011. The 33-year-old contributed two goals and two assists over the course of the evening, and after a double strike within 13 seconds, Switzerland suddenly led 4-3 (30th).

Anyone who thought that the Austrian team around the great ex-Linz goalkeeper David Kickert would fall apart was disappointed. Cheeky, with playfulness and passion – this performance was refreshing and Haudum also celebrated the 4-4 result in the majority (35th). The 26-year-old double goalscorer’s commitment to Red Bull Munich is getting closer. After a fine individual performance, Austria’s NHL star Marco Rossi almost made it 6:5 (56th), which then fell to the Swiss.

Nevertheless: “It was fun,” admitted the extremely strong goalkeeper David Kickert (formerly with the Black Wings): “The longer the tournament lasts, the more we will improve.” Benjamin Baumgartner, the scorer of the 5:5 (53rd minute), also hopes so: “If we play straight and simple, we can make it difficult for everyone.”