SWITZERLAND
Last Year: Thw Swiss had a very succsessful tournament last year, as they didn’t lose a game in regulation. They didn’t win very many either, as they finished with 3 extra time losses. They also put a scare into the Russians in the quarterfinals, bowing out 4-3 in a shootout. THey finished the tournament ranked 6th.
Returning Players: G Melvin Nyffeler, D Phil Baltisberger, D Mirco Mueller, F Christoph Bertschy, F Sandro Zangger, Lukas Sieber, F Dario Simion, F Lukas Balmelli
Key Missing NHL players: none
Ottawa Interests:
Key Players: F – Bertschy was second on the team in points last year, and is the most dangerous offensive player among the forwards. D – Mirco Mueller was a first round draft pick by the Sharks in 2013 and will be the leader of the Swiss. G- Nyffeler was the reason the Swiss were in so many games last year, and will be counted upon again this time around.
Draft Watch:Baltisberger will get a look in the 2014 draft, but looking ahead, D Jonas Siegenthaler could be a first round pick in 2015.
Key To Victory: Every game the Swiss play seems to be close, but it is a matter of finding that one goal that could push them over the edge. They are close to being in the mix of the teams that can compete for medals, but not quite.
Projected Round Robin Finish: With the Norwegians looking like the weakest team in the tournament, the Swiss should have no difficulty in making the quarterfinals under the new format, either in 3rd or 4th place in the pool.
Potential Finish: Just like the Slovaks, a quarterfinal appearance might have to be good enough for the Swiss this year. However, staying in the top group yet again is good for the development in the country.