It wasn’t easy, but favourites Switzerland held off a spirited Austrian side, who once again impressed with their fearless approach against a team ranked higher in the world standings.
Switzerland have one game left, facing Germany tomorrow for second place in the group. Austria travel to Herning on Friday, where they will face either Japan or Denmark in a one-game playoff to avoid relegation.
The Austrians actually made a bright start, much like they had against the USA, but as the first period progressed, Switzerland began to pin them back in their own zone, putting Selma Luggin under sustained pressure in the Austrian goal.
At 12:23, the Austrian defence finally cracked as Silja Leeman drove deep into the zone and fired Switzerland into a 1-0 lead. Shortly afterwards, Antonia Matzka picked up Austria’s second penalty of the game, but the underdogs managed to kill it off. They did so again when Theresa Schafzahl was sent to the penalty box shortly before the first intermission.
A 21-4 advantage in shots on goal told the story of a Swiss side firmly in control of proceedings.
Switzerland’s pressure continued from the start of the second period, and the favourites were handed another power-play opportunity but once again failed to capitalise.
Selma Luggin continued to show why she is such an excellent goaltender, most notably when she denied Ivana Wey’s attempt just over five minutes into the period.
But almost immediately afterwards, the momentum shifted as Austria launched a counterattack. Anna Meixner and Emma Pfeffer combined to create a scoring opportunity, forcing Andrea Brändli to give up a rebound. Theresa Schafzahl was quickest to react, sweeping the puck home to make it 1-1.
Austria had their first power-play opportunity of the game but failed to create any significant chances. With seven minutes remaining in the second period, Ivana Wey then missed an open net for Switzerland, leaving her holding her head in disbelief.
However, after getting a first taste of the power play earlier, Austria made their second opportunity count. Lena Daubock benefited from a couple of deflections, and suddenly the Top Division newcomer found themselves 2-1 ahead.
When Switzerland are in trouble, they turn to Alina Müller. Just 19 seconds later, the Swiss superstar slipped in behind the Austrian defence and hammered the puck into the top of the net to restore parity.
Switzerland were handed their foi power-play opportunity shortly before the second intermission. The Austrians threw themselves in front of shots and passing lanes, and even needed the help of the post when Nicole Vallario got her shot away.
There was late drama with just 1:17 remaining in the period. Alina Müller charged towards goal and got her shot away before tumbling into the crease. Selma Luggin went down, and all five Austrian skaters scrambled to protect their net.
Ivana Wey managed to put the puck home, but Austrian head coach Shannon Miller immediately challenged the goal for goaltender interference – and was successful. The goal was overturned, leaving the score at 2-2 after 40 minutes.
Five minutes into the third period the Swiss powerplay finally clicked. And after several close calls, Ivana Wey finally made the scoresheet when her shot passed Selma Luggin.
"Well, it was really a relieve to finally score. It was a tight game and we really needed a goal - and it would say it was a team effort. Laura (Zimmermann) made a great screen in front of the goal. A great win for us and now we have to recover fast, get some sleep and be ready for the (early) game against Germany, Ivana Wey said after the game.
Austria were far from out of the game, however, and managed to create several dangerous opportunities in front of Brändli’s goal. Switzerland came under increasing pressure during the closing stages as the Austrians pushed for an equaliser.
Head coach Shannon Miller once again opted for an aggressive approach, pulling goaltender Luggin with 3:30 remaining. The move almost paid off a minute later, when Austria created chaos in front of Brändli’s net.
But in the end, Alina Müller – who else? – broke free and sealed the victory by finding the empty net for the 4-2 final score.
Austrian defender Theresa Schafzahl's status after the game tonight and four losses in the group stage:
It was pretty close (against Switzerland) and I think we played a decent game, especially in the second and the third period. It could have gone even better for us. I think we mostly played well during the group games apart from the Germany one. Now we'll prepare for a relegation where we're hopefully are gonna play more offensive hockey than in these games,"
