Vilmanis scores – Sandis Vilmanis struck twice on empty-net goals as Latvia stunned the United States 4-2 at the ice hockey world championship in Zurich. Deniss Smirnovs put Latvia ahead early in the third before Matthew Tkachuk and Mathieu Olivier cut it to one, but Vilmanis s
ZURICH — The defending champion’s second-half wobble didn’t look like it would last. The United States pushed numbers forward, pulled goaltender Devin Cooley for an extra attacker, and tried to turn a one-goal deficit into momentum.
It only set the stage for Sandis Vilmanis.
Vilmanis scored two empty-net goals as Latvia upset the United States 4-2 on Saturday, handing the U.S. its third defeat at the ice hockey world championship. Deniss Smirnovs’ goal early in the third period moved Latvia ahead 2-1 and opened the door to a frantic finish.
With time running out, the Americans went for it again when Cooley was pulled for an extra attacker. Vilmanis punished that decision with a goal at 1:02 left to make it 3-1.
The U.S. didn’t stop pressing. Matthew Tkachuk set up Mathieu Olivier from the slot with 0:51 remaining to cut the deficit to one, again with six skaters on the ice.
Then Vilmanis sealed it. His second goal came with 42 seconds to go, turning Latvia’s late-game control into a win that will sting for the reigning champions.
Latvia started fast enough to set the rhythm. In the first period, Haralds Egle opened the scoring at 8:47, finishing with the team’s second shot on goal.
The U.S. answered in the middle period through Tkachuk’s power-play goal. It was his first at the worlds, tying the game 1-1 with 5:12 remaining. Tkachuk — a two-time Stanley Cup winner and Olympic champion — played only his second career game at the worlds after joining teammates on Tuesday.
By the final horn, the consequences were clear in the standings. The loss left the United States fifth in Group A, one point behind Latvia. The Americans have two group-stage games left: against Hungary on Monday and against Austria on Tuesday.
Group B brought its own momentum swings. In Fribourg, Denmark blanked Slovenia 4-0 for its first win.
Switzerland’s domination was even more pronounced in Zurich, where hosts shut out Hungary 9-0. Captain Roman Josi scored a hat trick and added an assist. while Sven Andrighetto posted a five-point game with a goal and four assists. Switzerland’s run through the tournament has been relentless. with six wins from six games. including another 9-0 rout of Austria. The hosts lead Group A by three points from Finland.
In Fribourg, Czechia edged Slovakia 3-2 in a matchup of countries that once formed Czechoslovakia. Captain Roman Červenka deflected the puck into the net with his skate to score the winner. It was the first defeat for the Slovaks. Canada remained the only unbeaten team and atop Group B. Czechia sits a point behind, while Slovakia is two points further back.
Later Saturday, Austria played Germany in Zurich and Sweden faced Norway in Fribourg.
Latvia vs United States hockey Sandis Vilmanis Devin Cooley Deniss Smirnovs Matthew Tkachuk Mathieu Olivier Roman Josi Sven Andrighetto Roman Červenka Czechia Slovakia Group A Group B