The playoff round gets underway on January 2 with five games, including the four quarterfinals
Relegation Round
The relegation round is a best of three series between the two fifth placed teams in the preliminary round. For the second straight year, Switzerland is in the round and will take on Belarus. Belarus is looking to stay in the top pool after getting a spot into the top division last year. Switzerland had tough luck, falling hard to Sweden in their opener and then getting three players suspended for their game against Denmark. That loss to Denmark was what forced them into the relegation round.