Nation Sites
The Nation Network
The LeafsNation has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
WJC Canada Postgame: Canada survives Swiss scare

Dec 29, 2015, 16:17 ESTUpdated:

Screencap via TSN
Whew, that was close.
Down 2-0 and tied 2-2 heading into the third, Canada eked out a less than impressive 3-2 shootout win over a previously 0-2 Switzerland team for their second win at the 2016 World Juniors.
Matt Barzal and Brayden Point scored in the shootout to seal the deal in a surprisingly difficult game for Canada.
The Rundown
Canada fell behind on a powerplay goal just 2:12 into the first period, and panic set in when Dario Meyer put the Europeans up by a pair 13 minutes later.
Dylan Strome salvaged a bad period into just an okay one when he snuck this shot in with just 23 seconds left in the first.
Joe Hicketts scored the only other Canadian goal in regulation in the second period to tie the game.
Canada looked dominant in stretches, but were held at bay by a very solid Joren van Pottelberghe, who made 32 saves. There was more than a few opportunities to have the game ended in regulation (and in overtime), but JVP (can we call him that?) kept the Swiss’ hope of getting out of the group stage alive.
Barzal shootout winner pic.twitter.com/JbkyWy2JJT— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 29, 2015
Mitch Marner made a few nice moves (including this one): but otherwise was held off the scoresheet. He and Travis Dermott combined for five shots on the day, who was also held pointless.
Maple Warrior
Joe Hicketts came up big in a tournament when he’s had a few tough moments, and ultimately Canada could’ve been heavily embarrassed if he hadn’t been able to score.
Up Next
It’s an NYE matchup against Leafs prospect Dmytro Timashov and Sweden on Thursday at 1 p.m.
Breaking News
- 8 non-Maple Leafs NHL free agency stories you may have missed
- Easton Cowan was the positive surprise for 2025-26 Maple Leafs, should thrive under Jim Hiller
- Around the NHL: Jets continue Connor Hellebuyck trade talks, Patrick Kane linked to 2 teams
- Former Maple Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby reflects on career with Toronto following trade to Lightning
- Matthew Tkachuk lists Leafs’ Sergei Bobrovsky as ‘backbone’ of Panthers’ Stanley Cup-winning teams

