Austria remains in the outsider role

Austria’s national ice hockey team held up well against Sweden in the second match at the World Cup on Sunday evening in front of 5,950 fans in the Nokia Arena in Tampere, but ultimately lost 5-0 to the big favorites who were ice-cold in front of the goal. Today (3.20 p.m. / live ORF 1) the ÖEHV team is again in the outsider role against Denmark. Team boss Roger Bader will probably have to do without David Reinbacher.

The young defender picked up a knee injury in the middle third against Sweden when he pulled on goal between two opponents and was checked. Whether the 18-year-old from Vorarlberg, who has shown in Finland so far why he is one of the best defenders of his age group in the world, can come back in the course of the tournament remains to be seen.

A complete failure would not only be bitter for the defender jewel, but also for the Austrian team. “David has an important role. He plays a lot, has a spot on the power play, which shows what position he already has in the team,” explained the team boss. In contrast to last year, an injured player can be replaced this year, and Bader would make use of this in the event of a fixed absence. Steven Strong will return to the side against Denmark, as will striker Manuel Ganahl.

Denmark has been playing permanently in Group A for 20 years, has Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets, son of the former KAC coach and current team boss Heinz Ehlers, an NHL player and many professionals from the strong European leagues. With victories against Hungary (3:1) and France (4:3 after extra time), the Danes also got off to a good start in the title fights. “Denmark have a strong team with good players from the SHL (note: Swedish league) and now Ehlers too,” stressed Bader. Austria meets Denmark at a World Cup for the first time in 14 years, the most recent competitive win dates from the Olympic qualification in 2001.

Draisaitl approaching?

For Germany’s Leon Draisaitl, who leads the NHL with 13 goals in the playoffs, the season in North America is over after the Edmonton Oilers lost to the Vegas Golden Knights. The national team is now hoping that Draisaitl will strengthen the DEB team at the World Cup. There you meet Austria on Friday, whether Draisaitl is already in question is open.