The German national ice hockey team wants to win its first victory against the USA at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Finland – not an easy task.
Tampere – The start of the German national ice hockey team at the World Championships in Finland and Latvia has not been successful so far. In the first game, there was a 0-1 defeat against eight-time world champions Sweden. This was followed by a 13-3 defeat to defending champions and hosts Finland on Saturday (4 May). Now follows with the USA the next heavy chunk for the team of national coach Harold Kreis. However, the possible re-nomination of Leon Draisaitl gives hope.
| Ice Hockey World Championship | |
|---|---|
| Place: | Finland and Latvia |
| Date: | Friday 12 May 2023 – Sunday 28 May 2023 |
| Defending champion: | Finland |
Ice Hockey World Championships: Despite defeats, there is no reason to panic among the German national ice hockey team
Despite the two defeats on the first two matchdays of the Ice Hockey World Championship, the situation of the German national team is by no means dramatic. Germany was able to keep up with both Sweden and Finland and set many good accents of their own. In none of the duels was the DEB team inferior in terms of play. Only one goal separated the team from overtime and a possible victory.
Despite the defeats after the game against Finland, coach Kreis also had praise for his team: "The team played well and self-sacrificingly," and noted: "We are on track in terms of commitment and play." With the USA, however, an even more difficult task now awaits the German selection.
When will NHL star Leon Draisaitl join the DEB team at the Ice Hockey World Championships? © imago
Germany still without Draisaitl at the Ice Hockey World Championship against the USA
The upcoming opponent of the German national ice hockey team in the third game at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Finland and Latvia experienced a dream start. The USA won their opening match against Finland 4-1. This was followed by a thrilling victory against Hungary. With 7:1, the star ensemble of USA coach David Quinn swept the overwhelmed opponents out of the hall. After two games, the USA are at the top of Group A with six points and a goal difference of 11:2. Alex Tuch has scored a total of three tournament goals so far and will pose a major challenge to the German backline.
The third defeat in the third World Cup match is unfortunately not unlikely for the national team. Success would be a big surprise. Nevertheless, even in the event of another defeat, everything would still be possible for the guys from Kreis. In addition, NHL star Leon Draisaitl could soon join the DEB team. The top player was eliminated with his team, the Edmonton Oilers, in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup. A subsequent nomination is possible and is considered likely. On Sunday, sporting director Christian Künast underlined: "Leon Draisaitl is worth it even for a game." However, the encounter with the USA comes too early for Draisaitl. You can follow the game at 15.20 CET in our live TIcker box. (jsk)