Swiss cruise through opening win over Latvia at WJC

Switzerland improved to 4-0-0 all-time against Latvia in this tournament with a 7-2 win.

The Latvians opened the scoring just 2:45 into the game with a power play marker, but Christoph Bertschy would tie the game later in the period, following up on his own rebound to pot the equalizer.

The Swiss would take the lead later in the period when Tanner Richard fed Mike Kunzle in front of the net just as Edgars Siksna left the penalty box.

Lucas Balmelli extended the Swiss lead to 3-1 early in the second, but not long after that Arturs Sevcenko brought the Latvian side back to within one, scoring on a partial breakaway.

The Swiss would go on to pull away from there. Richard set up Sven Andrighetto for a short-handed goal later in the period, and Sandro Zangger would score another before the period was out to open the flood gates.

Ivars Punnenovs came out to start the third in net for the Latvians and allowed a pair of goals. Richard set up Kunzle again on a power play, then Alessio Bertaggia scored late on a breakaway.

The Swiss won't have long to enjoy this victory as they face Sweden on Friday, while the Latvians are off until Saturday.