Canada's Sidney Crosby sees off Switzerland on penalty shots

From Sportsbeat staff, in Vancouver

SIDNEY Crosby's penalty shot spared Canada's blushes as Switzerland pushed the hosts all the way at Canada Hockey Centre.

COMETH THE HOUR: SIdney Crosby's penalty shot hands Canada a dramatic victory over Switzerland (Getty Images)

After the match finished 2-2 and overtime was goalless, the first six takers all missed as Switzerland's Jonas Hiller and Canada's Martin Brodeur proved too good, but Crosby, at his second attempt found the net while Martin Pluss missed to hand Canada victory.

The hosts roared into a 2-0 lead and were cruising in the opening stages but Switzerland bounced back as memories of the Swiss victory over Canada in Turin four years ago came gushing back.

Canada grew nervous and as overtime ensued, they could not find a way through.

In penalty shots the first six takers - Crosby, Jonathan Toews and Ryan Getzlaf for the hosts and Romano Lemm, Roman Wick and Hnat Domenichello for Switzerland all failed to find the net but Pittsburgh Penguins captain Crosby made no mistake with his second attempt to hand Canada two points.

Canada started brightly enough and bad boy Dany Heatley, who also found the net against Norway, put the hosts on their way on ten minutes.

Switzerland's Yannick Weber was penalised for the second time at the start of the second period and when San Jose Sharks' Patrick Marleau fired past Switzerland goaltender Hiller after just 35 seconds, Canada were cruising.

But Switzerland pulled a goal back through Ivo Ruthemann, firing past Canada goaltender Martin Brodeur, controversially restored to the starting line-up despite a shut-out from Vancouver's own Roberto Luongo against Norway.

And the capacity crowd were stunned when Patrick von Gunten levelled things up with just ten seconds remaining of the second period.

Panic set in during the third period - there was a notable absence of a plan B. The hosts were unrecognisable from the team that bossed the opening period, but almost pinched the lead on 48 minutes when Sidney Crosby's snapshot was saved by Hiller.

With seven minutes remaining Corey Perry looked certain to restore Canada's lead but Anaheim Ducks' stopper Hiller made a superb save.

Thierry Paterlini of Switzerland was penalised with less than three minutes remaining, handing Canada the impetus but there was know way through for the hosts, despite amassing a total of 44 shots across the three periods.

And so overtime ensued and while Canada continued to knock on the door, chalking up 46 shots to Switzerland's 23, penalty shots ensued, and it was Crosby who settled matters.

 AS IT HAPPENS: Day seven of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver