But the two coaches subsequently revealed that they had been informed by thefourth official that the clock had been stopped in error and that the referee would blow the final whistle earlier than the official timing indicated.
Rubens Barrichello's Honda was seventh - the Brazilian had been running fourth, holding off the Toyotas, when he made an error and slid wide on the slippery track with 10 laps remaining.
But while Hirscher was left to reflect on his victory, U.S. star Ted Ligety's bid to win a fourth gold at the championships was ended following an uncharacteristic error.
In a shortened 48-game season, the Sabres are already running out of room for error in their attempt to avoid missing the playoffs for a second straight year and fourth time in six seasons.