2025 IIHF Worlds: Team Switzerland Shuts Out Team USA 3-0

In a highly anticipated Group B clash at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, Team USA entered the game against Switzerland with a clear goal: to maintain their unbeaten streak. Backstopped by goaltender Joey Daccord, the United States brought a blend of speed, physicality, and offensive firepower to the ice. Switzerland, led by goaltender Leonardo Genoni, countered with their strong defensive structure and quick counter-attacks, hoping to capitalize on any USA mistakes.

The United States featured a star-studded lineup headlined by Nathan MacKinnon, Clayton Keller, and Tage Thompson, while young talent like Cutter Gauthier and Matty Beniers added speed and skill. Switzerland relied on NHL stars like Nico Hischier and Kevin Fiala to generate offensive pressure, with support from Jonas Siegenthaler and Roman Josi.

First Period

Team Switzerland opened the scoring at 7:22 when Damien Riat buried a feed from Tim Berni, putting Switzerland up 1–0 early in the game.

GOAL (7:22): Damien Riat (SUI) – Even Strength | Assisted by Tim Berni

Switzerland doubled their lead at 15:59 with a goal from Jonas Siegenthaler, who scored after a quick setup by Kevin Fiala and Tyler Moy.

GOAL (15:59): Jonas Siegenthaler (SUI) – Even Strength | Assisted by Kevin Fiala, Tyler Moy

The U.S. responded quickly, pressing the attack in an effort to break through Switzerland’s defense. Despite generating chances, they were unable to score in the first period.

The period ended with Switzerland holding a 2–0 lead.

First Period Stats
Shots on Goal: USA 9 | Switzerland 5
Saves: USA 3 | Switzerland 9
Penalty Minutes (PIM): USA 0 | Switzerland 2

Second Period

The second period began with a series of penalties for both teams. At 33:28, USA’s Shane Pinto was called for holding, giving Switzerland a power play. However, at 34:50, Switzerland’s Ken Jäger was penalized for holding, putting both teams at even strength for the remainder of the period.

With the penalty kills successfully killing off both penalties, the teams continued to battle for control. USA generated several strong chances but was unable to break through Genoni’s solid play in goal. The period ended with Switzerland holding onto their 2–0 lead.

Second Period Stats
Shots on Goal: USA 9 | Switzerland 11
Saves: USA 11 | Switzerland 9
Penalty Minutes (PIM): USA 2 | Switzerland 2

Third Period

Switzerland extended their lead at 51:51 when Dean Kukan scored, assisted by Denis Malgin and Sven Andrighetto, making it 3–0.

GOAL (51:51): Dean Kukan (SUI) – Even Strength | Assisted by Denis Malgin, Sven Andrighetto

USA’s Conor Garland was called for slashing at 52:48, giving Switzerland a power play opportunity. However, the U.S. could not capitalize, and Switzerland held onto their 3–0 lead for the remainder of the period.

With time running out, both teams exchanged solid efforts, but Switzerland’s defense and goaltending proved too strong. The game ended with Switzerland securing a 3–0 victory.

Third Period Stats
Shots on Goal: USA 5 | Switzerland 11
Saves: USA 10| Switzerland 5
Penalty Minutes (PIM): USA 2 | Switzerland 0

Final Game Summary

Switzerland dominated from start to finish, earning a 3–0 victory over the United States in their Group B matchup at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship. The Swiss came out strong, with Damien Riat scoring the opening goal at 7:22 of the first period. They extended their lead later in the period with Jonas Siegenthaler’s goal, putting the U.S. on their heels early.

Despite some offensive pressure, the United States couldn’t break through Switzerland’s defense or find the back of the net. Goaltender Leonardo Genoni was solid throughout, stopping 27 shots for the shutout. Switzerland’s defense was equally impressive, led by solid performances from Jonas Siegenthaler, Kevin Fiala, and Roman Josi.

The U.S. tried to push back in the second period but was thwarted by Switzerland’s tight defensive system. Switzerland added another goal in the third period when Dean Kukan scored, assisted by Denis Malgin and Sven Andrighetto, sealing the game at 3–0. The United States couldn’t recover from this late goal, and Switzerland secured the shutout victory.

Players of the Game

Leonardo Genoni (Switzerland)
Genoni played a key role in Switzerland’s 3–0 shutout of the United States. The experienced goaltender faced 27 shots, stopping every one of them to secure the victory. Known for his quick reflexes and composure under pressure, Genoni’s ability to shut down the U.S. attack helped Switzerland control the game from start to finish, making him a deserving selection for Player of the Game.

Joey Daccord (USA)
Daccord was the lone bright spot for the United States in the 3–0 loss. Despite facing relentless pressure from Switzerland, he made 27 saves, including several crucial stops in the first and second periods, keeping the game within reach for much longer. His resilience and steady play under heavy fire earned him recognition, as he was the primary factor in keeping the scoreline from widening even further.

The win propelled Switzerland to the top of Group B with a solid performance, while the United States will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game in the tournament.

Final Stats
Shots on Goal: USA 27 | Switzerland 30
Saves: USA 27 | Switzerland 27
Penalty Minutes (PIM): USA 4 | Switzerland 4

Photo Gallery: United States vs Switzerland – 2025 IIHF WM

What’s Next?

The United States will look to bounce back after their loss to Switzerland as they face Norway on May 14, 2025, at 16:20 (local time) at Jyske Bank Boxen in Group B. After a challenging start in the tournament, USA will be eager to capitalize on the game and gain crucial points in their quest to advance. Switzerland, having dominated USA 3–0, will face Germany on May 15, 2025, at 16:20 (local time) at Jyske Bank Boxen, aiming to build on their strong performance.