MILAN — A video message from Kevin Fiala provided extra inspiration for a Swiss team that already knew the stakes.
A win over the Czech Republic on Sunday would ensure an easier path to the Olympic men’s hockey quarterfinals. Hearing from the injured Fiala, recovering in hospital from surgery, was a special boost.
“For sure it did,” New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier said after Switzerland’s 4-3 overtime win. “Emotionally it’s never easy to see an injury like that. But all considered, he’s doing well, and he said he still believes in us, he’s going to always be with us, and he’s trying to cheer us on as soon as he can. We definitely played for these guys that weren’t in the lineup today. They’re all a big part of our group.
“But we had guys step up that came into the lineup. That’s what good teams do, they’re resilient.”
Added captain Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators: “He (Fiala) sent us a little video, spoke to the team a little bit. So he’s good, he’s in good spirits. We said before the game we were going to play for him. He’s such a big part of this team and such a great leader. He’s one of those guys when the national team calls he’s always there. He loves playing for Switzerland. We feel for him, but hopefully put a little smile on his face today.”
The Swiss were also without injured top-pair defenseman Andrea Glauser (concussion) and forward Denis Malgin (shoulder), both injured against Team Canada.
“We care about each other very much, and we care about winning,” said Devils winger Timo Meier. “Those are the two things that we really want to take care of. We’re there for Kevin to support him no matter what. I think everybody feels that as well. That’s why we’re such a tight group.”
Teams can’t bring in new players once the tournament starts, so the Swiss played with 12 forwards Sunday, one less than the maximum 13 allowed.
“Yeah, all these three guys … It’s very close group, been together for years, know each other,” said St. Louis Blues forward Pius Suter. “He’s obviously one of our top players. It’s hard, especially such a tough injury, yeah, it kind of takes (hits) you. …
“Yeah, we just come together.”
Before an electric crowd at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena — split pretty evenly between Czech and Swiss fans featuring duelling chants all game long — this was a dandy affair that saw the Czechs tie it 3-3 with 2:06 left on a goal from Colorado Avalanche star Martin Necas, setting up overtime.
That’s when Dean Kukan ended it with a laser top corner past Anaheim Ducks goalie Lukáš Dostál.
The overtime win gave the Swiss two points, not the three they would have gotten in regulation, but still meant a second-place finish in Group A, and depending on the Latvia-Denmark matchup later Sunday night, means the Swiss will finish either as the fifth or sixth seed ahead of the Qualifying Round. A Latvia win in regulation Sunday night would leave the Swiss with the sixth seed, meaning a matchup likely with France.
So Sunday’s win ensures an easier path to the quarterfinals for Switzerland.
“It’s a great win, we knew what was at stake,” said Hischier. “We wanted to get that second spot (in Group A).”
Meier, meanwhile, continued his excellent Olympics so far, scoring again Sunday to give him three goals and an assist so far in three games. It’s been a struggle this season with the Devils in the NHL, but here on the Olympic stage, we’re seeing the beast mode version of Meier.
“Yeah, he’s playing at his full potential,” said Hischier, his Devils teammate. “You can see it out there, he can hit, he can score, he can make plays, he’s a very effective player when he’s on his game. It’s fun to play with him.
“He gives you room out there. If the puck goes deep and you have Timo on your neck, it’s not a nice feeling. He’s a very impactful player and great to see him being rewarded for his work.”
Meier has been a physical force in this tournament on top of his offensive contributions.
“It’s fun, it’s fun playing here,” Meier smiled postgame. “It’s fun having this opportunity to really come in and focus on what’s happening here with this group. Obviously a lot of pride playing for your country, so I really try to play with fun and energy and try to bring my best to this team.”
The loss means the Czechs have a tougher road ahead. They will likely be in the 8-9 Qualifying Round game (likely against Germany if the Germans lose to Team USA on Sunday night) and it would mean a quarterfinal matchup with Team Canada or Team USA.
“I really like our effort, I really like where we are,” said Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. “Unfortunately, the overtime loss cost us a good seed, but if we want to win we have to get through everybody. So it’s obviously going to be a little harder than what it could have been, but if you want to win, doesn’t matter who you get.”
