Henrik Zetterberg-less Sweden narrowly beat Switzerland to top Group C

Medal hopefuls Sweden remain on course to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Winter Olympics men's ice hockey after edging out Switzerland 1-0 this afternoon.

The Swedes overcame the absence of Detroit Red Wings star Henrik Zetterberg, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Sochi Games with a herniated disc.

Daniel Alfredsson's goal with 7:21 left earned them their second straight victory, and a third against winless Latvia on Saturday would see them progress to the last eight of the tournament as Group C winners.

"We are among those teams who can win this tournament anyway," Sweden coach Par Marts told reporters.

Switzerland face the Czech Republic, who beat Latvia 4-2 on Friday thanks to New Jersey Devils veteran Jaromir Jagr, next in what could be a shootout for second place behind Sweden.