Niederreiter helps Switzerland to OT win in World Championships opener

An IIHF World Championships veteran playing in his third spring international showcase, Wild forward Nino Niederreiter bookended Switzerland's 3-2 overtime victory over Austria on Saturday in both teams' tournament opener at Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Niederreiter's nifty drop pass set up childhood teammate Enzo Corvi's game-winner 3:18 into the extra session. Niederreiter, a 25-year-old Chur native, also opened the scoring with a one-timer from Corvi at the first period's 18:28 mark.

It was the first time Switzerland -- which surrendered a two-goal lead -- topped its neighbor and rival at the World Championships since 1993. The Swiss (1-0) continue Group A play against Slovakia on Sunday at 1:15 p.m. CT on NHL Network.

Granlund, Finland dominate in first game of tourney

The Mikael Granlund-led Finns handed Korea an 8-1 defeat in Herning. Granlund is serving as captain for his native country and didn't find the score sheet Saturday.
He didn't need to, as Sebastian Aho led the way with two goals and two assists and Finland (1-0) cruised. Next up: a clash with Latvia at 1:15 p.m. Sunday in Herning.

Kaprizov leads Russia to big win Friday

A little over two months after his
overtime goal granted Russia gold
at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Wild prospect Kirill Kaprizov picked up right where he left off in international play.
One of the most prized players in Minnesota's system, the 21-year-old KHLer had two goals and an assist in his squad's 7-0 victory over France on Friday in Copenhagen. The Russians take on Austria at 5:15 a.m. Sunday in Copenhagen.
"It was a normal game, we made some mistakes as well," Kaprizov told the IIHF website. "We'll need to keep improving from game to game. We allowed a few turnovers, and the coaches are telling us all about it. Even so, it's good to start with a big win."
Related:
- Wild well represented at World Championships