World Cup 2022: Switzerland, USA reach semi-finals
Switzerland defeated Japan 2-1 on penalties
The Swiss were once again without some of their key players due to injuries and positive COVID cases. According to the Swiss federations, Noemi Ryhner and Laura Zimmermann were both injured in the game against Finland and are eliminated from the tournament. Lara Stalder had previously tested positive for COVID, and now Alina Müller too. Alessia Bächler, also out due to COVID protocol, has tested negative and is free to play in the next game.
Japan went without a win in Group A for the first time, but looked much better and more balanced in the second leg against Switzerland from Group A. Makoto Ito opened the scoring in the second period. Sinja Leemann finished in third place and remained goalless until the end of regular time and extra time.
Switzerland’s Alina Marti and Sinja Leemann scored the only goals on penalties, sending them through to the semifinals. Japan will play the other losing teams from the Quarterfinals in the placement match
The USA beat Hungary 12:1
While the game ended about as everyone expected, the first period was definitely unexpected.
The USA, favored by a long shot to win, were down to just one goal and 18 shots. Hungary played an excellent defense. By and large, they kept USA out and didn’t let USA near the net, where the top seeds have scored most of their goals in the tournament so far.
The second period was a different story and the one people were most likely expecting. The USA dominated, scoring with ease and almost continuously, scoring 9 goals on 32 shots. To the surprise of anyone following the tournament and Team USA, Taylor Heise extended her points lead with a hat trick – she had the only goal in the first period and then two in the second period. It’s hard to believe that she’s attending her first tournament.
Hungary had a solid chance when they held a two-skater advantage about midway through the second third. They had a really good excitement and a couple of solid chances but couldn’t convert.
The last frame is mostly the same, but with a side of the story thrown in.
Hilary Knight officially broke the all-time scoring record at the IIHF World Championships when she scored USA’s 11th goal of the game at 43:00. She – and everyone – had initially thought she had broken the record in the second round, but a goal change undid that and made the moment all the sweeter as a goal came about.
Later in this period, Hungary wrote its own history. This was the countries’ first meeting and the European team scored their first goal. There was a slight front tussle after Aerin Frankel – who came into play early in the third period – made a save but delivered a juicy rebound to the Hungarian player camped in front of her. Alexandra Huszak collected the puck and stalked around her to break the shutout.
Hannah Bilka would score at the close of the game and give her a hat trick.
The USA advance to the semifinals on Saturday while Hungary advances to the placement round.