Finland in deep after loss to Denmark
After claiming gold at last year's tournament, Finland has its back against the ropes and their chances of moving on to the medal round are quickly fading.
The reigning champions were bested by Denmark 3-2 on Tuesday. For the Finns that means two losses in the first two days of the tournament and no points to show for their efforts.
Finland - who currently find themselves in last place in Group A - now run the risk of concluding the tournament in that very spot, as its odds in its next two contests don't look good.
Finland 0-2 & next game is v Sweden on Thursday ... 🇫🇮 may go from winning gold to being in relegation round ...
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) December 28, 2016
The club will hit the ice next against Sweden - arguably the favorite to win the tournament. It's a daunting task, especially after Sweden demolished that same Denmark team 6-1.
Finally the team will conclude the round robin with a clash against Switzerland. Switzerland already has an overtime win to their credit, which likely means Finland will need to win that game in regulation and get some help if they hope to advance to the next round.
It's crunch time for Finland and it all starts Thursday.