2019 IIHF World Championships – Pool A

It’s been quite the adventure for Great Britain competing in the top tier of World Championship hockey for the first time since 1994.

Despite not being able to attain a single point in six games, GB have run Germany extremely close and gave USA a fright in only losing by a 6-3 score line.

A frankly disappointing display and heavy loss against Denmark was followed by a respectable reverse to Canada (who simply outclassed GB in every department).

Further defeats to Finland and Slovakia were not unexpected although performances failed to match those earlier in the tournament.

However after making many friends through some committed performances and the wonderful support by GB fans, the dream to remain at this level is still alive.

Thanks to Finland defeating France Sunday evening, there will be a relegation showdown Monday afternoon with GB having the opportunity to control their own destiny.

The French national team are one point above GB in the standings courtesy of a shootout loss to Denmark but any sort of win for Great Britain against France will ensure they stave off relegation and stay in the top tier of World Championship hockey – a feat not to be underestimated.

It’s an undeniable fact that GB will have to play their best hockey of the tournament to claim victory but there are reasons to be optimistic.

Great Britain enter this game with a days rest and plenty of time to prepare for this key encounter while also having shown at times they are capable of producing a level of play to compete at this level.

France shall be playing their second game inside 24 hours following a bruising encounter with Finland.

The pressure will undoubtedly be stacked on the French who have spent eleven years at this level and will not want to relinquish that position.

While scoring hasn’t been as much of an issue for France despite being shutout by Finland, they’ve also struggled to keep the puck out of their net and have mightily struggled on the penalty kill.

Keys to the game

Ben Bowns v Florian Hardy:

The likely goaltending match-up is going to play a huge part with both relied on heavily by their nation throughout the tournament and whoever comes up with the big stops at the critical moments shall prove decisive.

Special Teams battle:

Almost a third of the goals given up by Ben Bowns have been while GB has been short-handed. The French power play has netted on four occasions through the tournament and keeping them quiet will be imperative for success.
GB are yet to strike a power play goal with just ten opportunities afforded to them in the tournament but they are bound to get at least one man advantage and they need to be clinical when presented with that chance.

Controlled aggression:

Great Britain need to strike the right balance in what is a must win game for both teams. France have shown themselves to be prone to taking reckless and ill-disciplined penalties, with several players easily rattled in the heat of the battle but with their power play a potent weapon, GB must not cross that line.

Generating offense:

Great Britain has recorded just five goals in this tournament with a shooting percentage of under 5%. As of now they simply haven’t generated enough offense having tested opposition goaltenders 103 times through six games. Can Pete Russell find the right forward combination and will those lines show the required commitment and determination to make enough plays to threaten the French net?

Shutting down French offense:

France haven’t exactly been lighting the lamp but they have nestled the twine eleven times. Fleury Damien, Claireaux Valentin and Texier Alexandre are forwards GB have to keep a keen eye on along with Rech Anthony, Bertrand Charles and Tim Bozon who is a proven set-up man with a hand in three goals to date.

Impossible dream? For a team that has secured two straight promotions there is no such thing.