Switzerland reaches junior semifinals, beating Russia 3-2 in overtime

Switzerland beats Russia 3-2 in overtime

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — Nino Niederreiter tied it with 33 seconds left in regulation, then scored at 9:47 of overtime to give Switzerland a 3-2 upset victory over Russia on Saturday night in the world junior hockey semifinals.

Switzerland will face five-time defending champion Canada in the first semifinal Sunday. The United States played Finland on Saturday night, with the winner advancing to play Sweden in the second semifinal Sunday night.

“We know we don’t have a big country as far as hockey is concerned, and everybody can think whatever they want,” goalie Benjamin Conz said after making 50 saves.

“Sometimes people take us too lightly, like they did today against the Russians, and you see what kind of things can happen.”

In overtime, Niederreiter cut across the hash marks and fired a shot past goalie Igor Bobkov. The puck appeared to be deflected in by defenceman Patrick Geering, but the goal was officially credited to Niederreiter.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s just amazing,” Niederreiter said.

Russian coach Vladimir Plyushchev blamed his team’s defense.

“It was a big mistake by the defense,” Plyushchev said. “It was an elementary task that normally the player would do.”

Michael Loichat opened the scoring for the Swiss, beating Bobkov on a wraparound at 8:25 of the second period. Vladimir Tarasenko tied it with 1:16 left in the period, and Kirill Petrov put Russia ahead 16 second later off a feed from Nikita Filatov.

In relegation play, Slovakia beat Austria 3-2.