The Swiss national ice hockey team is through to the quarterfinal.Image: keystone
The Swiss national ice hockey team advanced to the quarterfinal with a decisive 3-0 victory over Italy in a playoff matchup. The win sets up a clash with 2022 Olympic gold medalists Finland on Wednesday.
February 17, 2026, 10:30February 17, 2026, 14:47
The game against the host nation mirrored Switzerland’s opening game six days prior against France, also resulting in a 4-0 win. Philip Kurashev opened the scoring for Switzerland just 79 seconds into the game and Roman Josi extended the lead to 2-0 with a power-play goal at the ten-minute mark.
But, a familiar pattern emerged as the Swiss team momentarily lost focus, reminiscent of their game against France. The term “Schlendrian” – referencing a slow, careless, and inefficient approach – has been used in Switzerland since 1734 when Johann Sebastian Bach composed a piece on the subject.
Philipp Kurashev with the early 1-0 goal.Video: SRF
Switzerland controlled the game more effectively than in their preliminary round matches against Sweden (a 5-2 victory, but only 3-2 until the 56th minute) and Slovakia (3-2). However, they didn’t display the same confidence as Finland, who dominated Italy with an 11-0 scoreline.
Nico Hischier added a crucial goal in the 46th minute, marking his first of the Olympic Games, and also assisted on the first two Swiss goals. Goaltender Leonardo Genoni was solid in net, stopping 20 shots for his second shutout of the tournament after a 4-0 win against France.
Perhaps the Swiss team conserved energy in the second period, preparing for the quarterfinal matchup. Head coach Patrick Fischer demonstrated his tactical acumen with a surprise timeout in the 46th minute, which immediately led to Hischier’s goal, extending the lead to 3-0.
What Nico Hischier said about the win:
“These games are never easy. We were the clear favorites but anything can happen in hockey. We put a lot of pressure on the net and could have been more efficient. The goalie made some great saves. We got the job done and are now preparing for tomorrow.”
Switzerland played Italy in a smaller arena at the Rho Fairgrounds in Milan. The quarterfinal against Finland will also be held in this venue. Switzerland was eliminated by Finland in the quarterfinals at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Switzerland – Italy 3:0 (2:0, 0:0, 1:0)
Milan, Rho Ice Hockey Arena. – 5700 spectators. – Referees Hribik/Schrader (CZE/GER), Suchanek/Wyonzek (CZE/CAN).
Goals: 2. Kurashev (Hischier, Meier) 1:0. 11. Josi (Andrighetto, Hischier/power play Larkin) 2:0. 46. Hischier (Riat, Meier/power play Frycklund) 3:0.
Penalties: 3×2 minutes against Switzerland, 6×2 minutes against Italy.
Switzerland: Genoni; Moser, Josi; Kukan, Siegenthaler; Fora, Marti; Glauser, Berni; Meier, Hischier, Kurashev; Niederreiter, Suter, Andrighetto; Bertschy, Thürkauf, Schmid; Riat, Jäger, Knak.
Italy: Clara; Pietroniro, Zanatta; Larkin, Trivellato; Di Tomaso, Glira; Seed, Di Perna; Gazley, Bradley, Digiacinto; De Luca, Frycklund, Saracino; Petan, Mantenuto, Frigo; Zanetti, Morini, Segafredo.
Notes: Switzerland without Fiala and Malgin (both injured), Berra (backup goalie) and Schmid (extra goalie). – 46. Timeout Switzerland.
Shots: Switzerland 51 (18-14-19); Italy 20 (2-10-8). – Power play: Switzerland 2/5; Italy 0/2. (riz/sda)
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