IIHF World Championships day 7 recap: Adam Klapka debuts and the final scores lopsided

It was a busy day seven at the IIHF World Championship, featuring a string of lopsided scores — but also Adam Klapka’s tournament debut and another start for Dan Vladar.

Finland vs. Slovenia

Day seven began with the most lopsided result of the tournament so far. Finland had no trouble handling Slovenia, stepping on the offensive pedal en route to a dominant 9-1 win.

As the score suggests, it was all Finland. It didn’t take long for the goal train to leave the station, with Mikko Lehtonen scoring just 2:43 into the game. He added a second later in the period as Finland closed out the opening frame up 3-0.

Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen — who’s enjoying a strong tournament — decided he wanted in on the scoring, netting a hat trick in the second period. He added a fourth goal in the third to take the outright tournament lead in goals with six.

Finland tacked on a couple more to finish with nine and comfortably secured their second regulation win — and third overall. Slovenia remains winless, and the schedule won’t get any easier from here.

Next games:

• Finland: May 17 vs. Latvia

• Slovenia: May 16 vs. Sweden

Germany vs. Switzerland

This game was one of the more intriguing matchups on this day. Germany entered undefeated, while Switzerland looked to build off an impressive win over the United States.

The opening period was a goaltending duel. Mathias Niederberger made 14 saves for Germany, while Leonardo Genoni stopped nine for Switzerland, keeping things scoreless after 20 minutes.

The Swiss offence took control in the second. Damien Riat broke the deadlock with a rebound goal, and then former NHLer Sven Andrighetto turned up the heat. Inspired perhaps by Tolvanen’s earlier heroics, Andrighetto recorded a hat trick in just 9:04.

Eight minutes into the third, Andrighetto struck again for his fourth of the game — marking the second four-goal performance of the day. Jonas Müller managed to spoil Genoni’s shutout bid, but it was too little, too late. Switzerland took this one 5-1, handing Germany its first loss and notching a third straight win.

Next games:

• Germany: May 17 vs. United States

• Switzerland: May 16 vs. Norway

Czechia vs. Hungary

Hungary entered with some hope after earning its first Worlds win in nine years — but Czechia had other plans.

David Pastrňák opened the scoring late in the first after a poor Hungarian breakout gifted the Czechs the puck at the blue line. Jakub Flek added another just before intermission, giving Czechia a 2–0 lead after one.

Midway through the second, Czechia made it 3–0, but Hungary pushed back with a goal from András Mihalik, who ripped a wrister from the top of the circle. Hungary entered the third down by two, still within striking distance.

But Czechia pulled away with three more in the final frame — including Pastrňák’s second of the night — sealing a 6-1 win to remain unbeaten (though with one overtime win).

Dan Vladar made his second start but faced just 12 shots. Though he might want the goal back, it was a quality shot perfectly located. Adam Klapka made his tournament debut, playing limited minutes (9:58) as an extra forward and saw little action. You can expect Klapka to remain in that role next game if he does end up dressing. It’s likely Karel Vejmelka will get another start as well.

Next games:

• Czechia: May 17 vs. Kazakhstan

• Hungary: May 16 vs. Denmark

Canada vs. Austria

Canada came out flying, firing 23 shots in the first period alone, but Austrian netminder Florian Vorauer stood tall. He stopped all 23, and Austria even took the lead on a beautiful shot by Vinzenz Rohrer, finishing the period up 1-0.

In the second, Nathan MacKinnon decided enough was enough. He scored twice, both assisted by Brandon Montour, as Canada grabbed a 2-1 lead heading into the third.

Travis Konecny extended the lead off a beautiful cross-crease feed from Will Cuylle, who later scored one of his own. Captain Sidney Crosby rounded things out with a late goal.

Vorauer was spectacular with 47 saves, but Canada secured a 5-1 win and remains the only team unbeaten in regulation.

MacKenzie Weegar had a quieter night, held off the scoresheet for a third straight game. Still, he’s been a steady presence on the blue line — though there’s no doubt he’ll want to elevate his game.

Next games:

• Canada: May 17 vs. Slovakia

• Austria: May 16 vs. France

Day 8 schedule

(All times MT.)

• Austria vs. France – 8:20 a.m.

• Hungary vs. Denmark – 8:20 a.m.

• Sweden vs. Slovenia – 12:20 p.m.

• Switzerland vs. Norway – 12:20 p.m.

Looking ahead to Day 8, Sweden will look to keep rolling, with Rasmus Andersson leading the charge. All eyes will also be on Mikael Backlund, who missed the last game due to injury — his status remains uncertain.