2025 IIHF Worlds: USA and Switzerland Set for High-Stakes Group B Clash

It’s showdown time at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship. Team USA and Switzerland are both undefeated in regulation, and Tuesday’s matchup in Stockholm is shaping up to be one of the most exciting clashes in Group B.

The Americans have stormed through their first two games without giving up a single goal. After blanking Denmark 5–0 in the opener, they followed up with a 6–0 rout of Hungary—outshooting their opponents 39–13 and showcasing elite depth and structure in all three zones.

Switzerland, meanwhile, comes in riding high after a 5–2 win over host Denmark. That performance was led by the dynamic top line of Tyler Moy, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier, who combined for eight points in the win (IIHF, 2025a). With both teams looking to stay in the race for a top seed, this game carries serious weight.

Game Info

• Matchup: United States vs. Switzerland
• Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
• Time: 16:20 local (10:20 AM ET)
• Location: Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, Denmark

USA: Youth Surge, Veteran Focus

Team USA hasn’t just been winning—they’ve been dominating. They lead the tournament in both penalty kill and save percentage which has been spot on, and have outscored opponents 11–0 through two games.

Young stars like Frank Nazar and Cutter Gauthier are doing damage up front, with each scoring twice against Hungary. Logan Cooley, Matty Beniers, and Will Smith have all added key contributions, while the defense has kept the net nearly untouched. Goaltenders Jeremy Swayman and Joey Daccord have each earned a shutout.

“Our goal is to win a gold medal,” said Swayman. “We haven’t done that in a long time, and we all know that in this room. That’s a big motivator for us” (IIHF, 2025b).

Switzerland: Star Power Up Front, Questions in the Back

Switzerland dropped their opener in overtime against Czechia but rebounded in style with their victory over Denmark. Tyler Moy scored twice, Hischier added a pair, and Meier dazzled with a slick assist to restore the Swiss lead in the second period.

While their power play is one of the best in the tournament, Switzerland’s penalty kill and goaltending remain a concern. Stephane Charlin held strong against Denmark in his first Worlds start, but against a relentless U.S. offense, the pressure will be much greater.

“It’s super special,” said Moy about facing the U.S., the country of his birth. “It’s a unique experience” (IIHF, 2025a).

What to Watch

Can USA stay perfect defensively? They’ve been airtight so far, but the Swiss top line is as skilled as any they’ve faced.

Will Switzerland’s goaltending hold up? Charlin was solid last game, but USA’s speed and puck movement are a different animal.

Special teams battle: Both teams have strong power plays, but the Americans have been flawless on the kill. If the game is tight, this could be the difference.

Statistically, these teams bring contrasting strengths to the ice. Team USA has been nearly flawless, leading the tournament with a 100% penalty kill and save percentage, having not allowed a goal through two games. Their power play sits at 25%, while their scoring efficiency is 12.64%. Switzerland, meanwhile, boasts a more explosive offensive rate with a 16.36% scoring efficiency and a 33.33% power play, one of the best in the tournament. However, the Swiss have struggled on the penalty kill, operating at just 71.43%, and their save percentage sits at 84.09%, a gap the Americans will look to exploit. Switzerland has also taken more penalties (14 PIM) than the U.S. (10 PIM), which could prove costly if special teams come into play again.

The Bottom Line

This game could feel like a medal game matchup. Both teams are skilled, fast, and playing with purpose. USA wants to stay unbeaten and keep chasing gold. Switzerland wants to prove they also belong in the medal conversation. If you’re only watching one group stage game this week—this is the one to catch.

Puck drops Monday morning. Don’t miss it.