Fresh off an upset win over the Czech Republic, Switzerland’s confidence was not going to be an issue, as Canada faced its biggest test to date at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, with a game against Switzerland. In Olympic Games history, these countries had faced off a total of seven times, with Canada winning each time.

Martin Brodeur was back in net for Canada, while Martin Gerber of the Carolina Hurricanes would carry Switzerland’s hopes in net.

While Canada had early power play chances, and despite constant pressure, they were unable to capitalize in the first.

And at 18:19 of the first period, the Swiss got on the board first, much to the enjoyment of a very pro-Switzerland crowd. Former Canadian National Team member Paul Di Pietro one-timed a pass past Brodeur, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead on only their 6th shot on goal. Despite a 12-6 shots advantage in the first, Canada headed to the dressing room trailing for the first time at the 2006 Olympics.

Canada got into penalty trouble in the second, and the Swiss were more than willing to take advantage. DiPietro was once again the hero, standing to the side of the net and pushing a rebound into a wide open net, at 8:47 of the middle frame.

Down 2-0, Canada went on the offensive and carried the play for the rest of the period. Rick Nash and Ryan Smyth, among others, were stymied by Gerber, who was making like his teammate David Aebischer did against the Czechs. Nash’s chance was a one-timer which Gerber managed to catch just at the line. It went to review and it took a while, but the ‘no goal’ call stood. Through two periods, Canada trailed 2-0, but did have a 25-17 shots on goal advantage.

Canada continued to dominate in the third, firing shot after shot at Gerber, but to no avail. Switzerland causes another upset, with a 2-0 win over Canada.

Canada’s next game is against Finland, on Sunday, February 19th, at 9 pm (local)/3 pm (ET) at the Torino Esposizioni.

Jarome Iginla: "We expected it. We knew after they beat the Czech Republic.  We knew it was a good club, and not an easy team.  We respect them.  The next game is now our main focus.  We have to play better and score."
 
Dany Heatley: "They are a strong skating, hard-working team with a hot goaltender. Things didn't go our way.  We outshot them but they had great goalkeeping and they got a big power play goal and we didn't."