HERNING, Denmark — Nick Olesen scored with 49 seconds left as Denmark surprised Canada 2-1 on the ice hockey world championship Thursday to advance to the semifinals.
“I’ve no phrases, it is unbelievable,” Olesen mentioned after Denmark reached the final 4 for the primary time. “The followers right here have been cheering for us the entire sport they usually helped us get the win. It is loopy.”
Denmark, within the sold-out area in Herning, had tied it with 2:17 remaining when Nikolaj Ehlers scored via site visitors in solely his second sport on the event following his Winnipeg Jets being eradicated from the NHL playoffs.
The Danes had pulled goaltender Frederik Dichow for the additional attacker earlier than Ehlers struck.
Canada outshot Denmark 30-11 within the first two intervals however could not resolve Dichow, who made 39 saves in all, till 5:17 into the third when captain Sidney Crosby fed Travis Sanheim to attain into the roof of the online. Canada was outshot 22-10 within the last interval, although.
Denmark has solely two NHL gamers on the worlds, whereas Canada has solely two who do not play on the NHL stage.
“I am disenchanted,” Crosby mentioned. “We received higher because the event went on. I do not assume tonight was essentially our greatest however we nonetheless discovered a approach to give ourselves a lead … nevertheless it turned fairly fast.”
Crosby returned to the worlds after 10 years when he captained Canada to gold. He was anticipated to do it once more with teammates like Nathan MacKinnon.
Canada is essentially the most profitable nation on the event with 28 titles however has completed empty handed within the final two editions after it was overwhelmed by Sweden within the bronze medal sport final yr.
It was solely the second win for Denmark over Canada on the worlds.
The semifinals are set for Saturday: Denmark will play Switzerland; and america will face Sweden.
Earlier on Thursday, the U.S. superior by beating Finland 5-2 backed by Conor Garland’s two power-play objectives
Trailing 2-1 within the center interval, the Individuals wanted 71 seconds to show issues round when defenseman Zeev Buium put residence a rebound at 23:53 earlier than Garland’s second aim restored the U.S. lead.
“I actually preferred how we stayed with it and constructed as the sport wore on,” U.S. head coach Ryan Warsofsky mentioned. “We received off to a little bit of a gradual begin, however actually discovered our sport as time wore on. I give our guys loads of credit score as they beat a superb hockey staff at the moment.”
Garland had given the U.S. a 1-0 lead 4:50 into the sport when he acquired a cross-ice move from Logan Cooley to beat goalie Juuse Saros from the suitable circle.
Finland tied it at 1-1 on Eeli Tolvanen’s power-play aim. Patrik Puistola scored from the slot on one other energy play 7:46 into the second interval for Finland to take a 2-1 lead.
The Individuals added two extra objectives within the third. Shane Pinto scored the fourth 5:52 into the ultimate interval and captain Clayton Keller completed the scoring into an empty internet.
The U.S. staff hasn’t gained a medal since taking bronze in 2021. The Finns have been ready for a medal since they gained gold in 2022.
Sweden delighted the house crowd within the Avicii Area in Stockholm by eliminating defending champion Czech Republic with a 5-2 victory.
Lucas Raymond and Leo Carlsson led the co-host with two objectives every.
Earlier in Herning, final yr’s runner-up Switzerland superior by blanking Austria 6-0.
