Switzerland Defeats Finland in Overtime
Müller Decides Friendly at Euro Hockey Tour
The Swiss women's ice hockey national team defeated Finland 4:3 in overtime at the Euro Hockey Tour. In a back-and-forth game, the Swiss trailed twice and equalized twice before Alina Müller scored the winning goal in overtime.
Twice Trailing, Twice Equalized
The first period remained goalless; shortly before the break, Finland's Noora Tulus hit only the post during a power play. In the second period, Finland took a 1:0 lead through Sanni Vanhanen. One minute before the second break, Lara Stalder equalized to 1:1. In the final period, Leoni Balzer gave Switzerland a 2:1 lead, but just two minutes later, Naemi Herzig deflected the puck into her own net for a 2:2 tie during an attempted save. In the 49th minute, Emmi Juusela scored to make it 3:2 for Finland.
Stalder Forces Overtime with Penalty Shot
In the 58th minute, the referees awarded a penalty shot to Switzerland because Nelli Laitinen lay on the puck behind the Finnish goaltender, blocking the goal. Double scorer Lara Stalder converted confidently to 3:3, sending her team into overtime.
Müller Decides Overtime
The decision in overtime came about one minute before the end: Alina Müller completed the 4:3 win. For the Swiss women, it was their second victory in their second game under new coach Shannon Miller, following their opening success against Sweden.