Group Report

Group B Update: Czechia Leapfrog Canada, Slovakia Lurking

Hockey Worlds · 2026-05-20

Group B has tightened into a four-team race at the top with a desperate fight at the bottom. Czechia have moved past Canada into first place, and Slovakia are right behind them after a shootout win over Slovenia.

At the top

Czechia lead Group B on 10 points after four games. The Czechs are 3-0 in regulation with a single overtime loss, and they tightened the defensive screws in a 3-1 win over Italy at BCF Arena on Tuesday. David Pastrnak has carried the offense, while Karel Vejmelka and Lukas Dostal have alternated cleanly in net.

Canada are second on 9 points from three games, perfect to this point with a tournament-best +12 differential in the group. The defending bronze medallists exploded for five third-period goals against Denmark on Monday and have not yet faced their stiffest opposition.

Slovakia sit third on 8 points after a 5-4 shootout win over Slovenia. The Slovaks have not lost in regulation and have a +5 differential, but their margin for error is shrinking with games against Canada and Czechia still to come.

Norway are fourth on 6 points and look comfortable for a quarterfinal berth with two regulation wins and a single loss. Mats Zuccarello's veterans have a +7 differential and one of the best defensive records in the tournament.

The chase

Sweden are fifth on 3 points after a stunning regulation loss to Czechia and another against Slovakia. Tre Kronor are 1-2 and their +1 differential is barely keeping them in contention. Slovenia are also on 3 points after their shootout heroics, but a -4 differential makes the climb to fourth steep.

Eliminated picture

Denmark and Italy share the basement on 0 points. The Danes have a -11 differential after losing all three games. Italy have a -15 differential after Tuesday's loss in Fribourg and need their first win.

Looking ahead

Sweden face Slovenia tonight in a four-pointer that could decide who chases Norway for fourth. Czechia have a breather before meeting Canada later in the group stage in what looks set to be the game of the tournament.