With new leadership behind the bench, many of its top performers committed to be here in Minsk and some new faces in the lineup, Denmark must show they are able to regain the form that served them well and has made them a tough team to beat since 2003.

Goal

Patrick Galbraith and Simon Nielsen split time in goal at the 2013 World Championship. Nielsen was outstanding with a 2.19 goals against average and 91.35% saves percentage. Nielsen also notched both of Denmark’s wins in the tournament. Galbraith lost all three games he started, although he was sublime in the 2010 World Championship where he beat both the Americans and Slovaks. Both goaltenders played in competitive leagues; Galbraith in Sweden’s Allsvenskan and Nielsen in Finland’s SM-Liiga.

Defence

Stefan Lassen was one of Denmark’s most effective defenceman on last year’s team. He as the only plus player on defense and led blueliners with a goal and three points. However, Denmark will benefit greatly with the inclusion of its best overall defenceman, Philip Larsen. Denmark needs more production from its defence. Defencemen scored only two of the team’s 13 goals. They could also use greater support in their zone in front.

There are several new faces on the national team, including Phillip Bruggisser, Anders Overmark, Jannik Christensen and Emil Kristensen. The Laurildsen brothers, Markus and Oliver, are both effective stay-at-home defencemen who can play physical hockey. The brothers were noteworthy contributors in Denmark’s 2013 tournament experience.