Heading into the quarter-finals, the intensity is off the charts in our fifth Power Rankings of the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. The U.S. retains first place after defeating a never-say-die Swedish team 4-3 in overtime for first place in Group A. Switzerland clings to second place following its 4-3 overtime loss to host Latvia with an undermanned roster. And in a stunning twist, the Latvians skyrocket into third place after their adrenaline-laden victory, which gives the Baltic hosts a quarter-final berth and ends Switzerland’s run as the lone team to win all its games in regulation time. Hold on to your hats (or cardboard Skoda helmets) because it’s only going to get wilder in the playoffs!
1 | USA | Samberg confirmed for remake of Sudden Death | |
2 | SUI | Sometimes you need a spa day | |
3 | LAT | Wes dids its! Wes dids its! | |
4 | CAN | That goal wasn’t chaotic or giraffe-like | |
5 | FIN | Canada? Wait, is this the final already? | |
6 | SWE | Carlsson > Tucker | |
7 | GER | Carolina? We’re here if you need advice | |
8 | CZE | Our plan is to not get outshot 19-4 in the first | |
9 | SVK | Slafkovsky ‘22, Lopusanova ‘23...who’s our ‘24 MVP? | |
10 | DEN | End of an Ehlers era – tak, Heinz! | |
11 | KAZ | Also known as Comebackstan | |
12 | FRA | We never stopped having sexy French accents | |
13 | NOR | Vikingstad last scored at the 2010 Olympics at age 10 | |
14 | AUT | Woot woot, Austro-Hungarian Empire reboot! | |
15 | HUN | Constantine almost made hockey the official religion | |
16 | SLO | More guys not named Anze need to score (old story) |
Click here to check out the previous editions of the Power Rankings.
The Power Rankings are for the enjoyment of IIHF.com readers, and reflect the progress of teams during the IIHF Ice Hockey Men's World Championship. They are distinct from the official standings and IIHF Men's World Ranking.
The Power Rankings are for the enjoyment of IIHF.com readers, and reflect the progress of teams during the IIHF Ice Hockey Men's World Championship. They are distinct from the official standings and IIHF Men's World Ranking.