Bronze still on the cards for Japan

In a game that had massive consequences for the bottom of Division 1A, a closely fought first period set the tone for a tight game. Stephen Murphy was forced into action early despite Britain having the better of the first five minutes, as he had to make a smart pad save on Shuhei Kuji shooting from the left wing on the rush. Yutaka Fukufuji, who has impressed in a Japanese jersey this year, had to make a number of saves as the period went on as Japan continued to  lead a march to the penalty box. Fukufuji made a quick glove stop on a Mark Richardson point shot, with the British defenceman making a fantastic poke check on a Japanese 2 on 1 counter attack the shift after. With twelve minutes gone in the first period, Colin Shields was sent to the box for a tripping minor, and while Britain’s powerplay, which was only scoring at a 6% clip going into this game, went 0/3, Japan made good on their only man advantage of the period. Ryo Hashimoto’s shot from the left point seemed to take a deflection off Danny Meyers as it went through and it eluded the grasp of Murphy. Despite the late powerplay chances for Britain, they only mustered eight shots on goal, with shots going high and wide far too often.

There was not much for the fans to get excited about in the second game on Day 4, as both Britain and Japan combined for a dour encounter where scoring chances came at a premium. Great Britain captain Jonathan Phillips had a chance seven minutes into the second period, pinching the puck and going in alone on Fukufuji, but his backhand effort was saved by the former NHL netminder. Japan started to pile the pressure on as the period went on, also benefitting from a march to the box by Great Britain. Murphy had to be in fine form mid way through the second frame, making a succession of saves as Naoto Mizuchi and Yosuke Haga fired away during a spell of Japanese zone pressure. Britain’s powerplay struggles were summed up by the second Japanese goal, as Jonathan Weaver lost the puck at the blueline and was unable to prevent Hiroki Ueno rushing by him, and despite being hooked back, putting the puck through Stephen Murphy’s five hole and doubling Britain’s lead. Almost immediately after they were given another 2 on 1 opportunity, but Takuro Yamashita could not find the handle upon receiving the pass and failed to get the shot away. Japan, who outshot Britain 14:10 through two periods went close again towards the end of the period, as Murphy made a fine shoulder save on a Shuhei Kuji quick break.

Japan would make life even more difficult for Great Britain just 75 seconds into the third period, as young forward Yuto Osawa would pick up a backhand rebound off of a Yosuke Haga shot, giving Japan a 3:0 lead. However, Britain would finally beat Fukufuji in the fifth minute of the third frame, giving them only their fourth goal of the tournament so far. Mark Richardson’s point shot was deflected by Robert Farmer, giving the rangy Braehead Clan forward his second goal of the tournament. Naoto Mizuchi would almost quash Britain’s comeback instantly, as thirty seconds after Britain’s goal, he danced around the defence and get a shot which Murphy kicked away. Britain were in the ascendancy as the period continued, but Japan would seal the three points with their fourth goal of the game. Britain’s defence collapsed too deeply, giving Kuji all the time and space to wire a shot top corner on Murphy. As the minutes ticked down, Craig Peacock had a golden chance to grab a goal back for Britain but his backhand chance while going in alone on Fukufuji sailed wide, which has summed up their performance so far at this year’s World Championships, mustering only 16 shots on goal in this game. After four losses in a row, Great Britain must now defeat South Korea in regulation time in order to retain their Division 1A status, with that game being at 12:30CET on Saturday. Japan still have a chance to win the bronze medal as well, depending on their result against Hungary in the final game of the tournament.

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