The German team suffered a defeat. © ANSA / MICHAEL BUHOLZER

Germany misses out on the World Cup upset

Too harmless in attack, disappointing in the power play: After the Olympic disappointment, the German ice hockey team missed out on a surprise at the start of the World Championship.

15 May 2026

From: dpa/det

Friday's 1-3 defeat against Olympic bronze medalists Finland, despite a good performance, was a disappointment. Still without NHL forward Lukas Reichel (Boston Bruins), the team coached by Harold Kreis lacked sufficient scoring threat.

Stefan Loibl's goal for the Straubing Tigers (49th minute) came too late. While the German team was unlucky in several power play situations, the favorites scored twice: Anton Lundell (9th minute) of the Florida Panthers and Jesse Puljujärvi (44th minute) of Servette Geneva found the net. Aatu Raty (56th minute) of the Vancouver Canucks scored Finland's third goal. On Sunday (8:20 p.m.), they face Latvia in what is likely to be a decisive game for a place in the quarterfinals.

NHL stars cancel

The first setback came even before the game began. NHL player Nico Sturm will not be joining the German team in Switzerland. The 31-year-old Stanley Cup winner of 2022 (Colorado Avalanche) and 2025 (Florida Panthers) will not be traveling despite the Minnesota Wild's playoff elimination. Previously, superstar Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers) and top forwards Tim Stützle (Ottawa Senators) and JJ Peterka (Utah Mammoth) had already declined to participate.

Reichel, who only joined the team on Thursday, has not yet been used. The 23-year-old is expected to make his debut in the important match against Latvia.

Spectacle between Canada and Sweden

Meanwhile, Canada and Sweden delivered a spectacular game, with the North Americans ultimately emerging victorious with a 5-3 win. After a 3-3 tie at the end of the second period, the visitors from North America came out of the locker room with renewed energy, and Connor Brown scored to put them ahead 4-3 in the 44th minute. From then on, the Olympic silver medalists maintained control, and Dylan Cozens' goal in the 53rd minute effectively sealed the victory.