World Championship: Day 6 Open Thread

by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 9:00 AM EDT in IIHF World Championship

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - MAY 02: Jiri Novotny (L) of Czech Republic and Mads Christensen (R) of Denmark battle for the puck during the IIHF World Championship group D match between Czech Republic and Denmark at Orange Arena on May 2, 2011 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)

It's the final day of preliminary round play, with a lot on the line. All of the teams have something to play for. Here's a rundown:

Denmark vs. Latvia (4:15 PM local, 10:15 AM EST)

Winner moves on. Simple as that. And with France beating Belarus yesterday, losing looks a lot less appealing. A lot is riding on this game, and it should be incredibly competitive. Denmark is coming off a tough loss to the Czechs, while Latvia pushed Finland into a shootout. If Latvia advances, they'll at least carry forward that single point earned. If Denmark moves on, they'll have to try and earn points against the teams from Group A that they'll be facing.

Austria vs. Norway (4:15 PM local, 10:15 AM EST)

Another battle for 3rd, this time between one country that is getting used to the elite division in Norway, and Austria who gained promotion just for this season. Both teams are missing their nation's top players for a variety of reasons, so they'll be relying on their depth to restore their nation's pride. Norway has played better so far, earning a shootout win against Sweden but then blew a 2-0 third period lead against the Americans to lose 4-2.

Finland vs. Czech Republic (8:15 PM local, 2:15 PM EST)

The Czechs played like the defending champions when they blitzed an inexperienced Danish team, while Finland had to tough it out against Latvia in a shootout. The game is for first in the group, but it's really another game in which the teams will try and earn points towards a quarterfinal berth. Both expect to be there, and this is their first big test.

Sweden vs. United States (8:15 PM local, 2:15 PM EST)

Sweden got a good scare when Norway beat them in a shootout, but they recovered quickly with a solid shutout win over Austria. The Americans also got a brief scare against Norway, but it was more a matter of time in that game, as they dominated the play before finally breaking through with four goals in the third period. The Americans carry a perfect record into this game, and a win here would definitely be a boost to their young team, which is starting to look like a potential medallist. Sweden could win the group with a regulation win, or finish third with a regulation loss and Norway winning their game.

Yesterday's scores gave us these results for Group A and B, with their carryover points:

Group A: 1. Germany (6), 2. Russia (3), 3. Slovakia (0), 4. ~~Slovenia~~

Group B: 1. Canada (5), 2. Switzerland (3), 3. France (1), 4. ~~Belarus~~

Join us in the comments for discussion and updates from today's action.

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Denmark goes up 1-0! WOO!

No doubt about it, this is a must win game. The Danes have come out flying early.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

End of period 1-0.

Denmark carried the play for the majority of the period and did a great job of cycling the puck.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Norway up 3-0

After 1 period as well. I’m a little late to the party here, as per usual.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Goals by Finnish Norwegian Eerikki Koivu, AHLer Mathis Olimb, and NHLer Jonas Holos.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

I assume Vanek has not gone to play for Austria?

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Broken hand, apparently.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

So in the end, it would’ve been better for Austria if Buffalo had won instead of Philly…. would have gotten Nodl if Philly lost.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Scenarios

Norway could still finish 2nd in Group B, so its not set in stone yet. But if they place 3rd, they play Belarus tomorrow afternoon (early game).

Winner of Denmark/Latvia gets Russia tomorrow night. Not easy, but I’m sure they’ll take it. :)

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:00 AM EDT reply actions

Game is back on for Denmark/Latvia.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

Oh, Morten Green… how did you miss that?

Oh wow, Masalskis got a stick on it.

Denmark PP.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

1-1. Cipulis with the equalizer. And yes, that was quite a whiff from Green. He’s playing on pain-killers presently after he injured his shoulder on a check against the boards. That might have had an effect.

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by Madelle on May 4, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

1-1 DEN/LAT

Cipulis with the deflection.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

2-1 DEN

Mads Christensen with a great individual effort on the PP. That’s good, because their team play on the PP was atrocious.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

You really think so? I admit it didn’t look great on that particular play, but the power play in general has consitently generated decent shots on goal.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

There were a lot of poor passes on that PP.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

On that one, yes. And on the last few power plays as well. They’re just losing focus.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I was just referring to that one.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions

2-1.

Mads Christensen on the power play. The Danish power play has looked great so far.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

how many times are the Latvians going to let Mads C cut to the middle for an open shot???

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by Cam Collingwood on May 4, 2011 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Hopefully at least a few more times

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Danes are losing focus and ceoncentration now. Need to wake up. What a terrible way to waste a 5-on-3.

2-2.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

4-0 Norway after 2

Lars Erik Spets in the final minute of the 2nd.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:40 AM EDT reply actions

Ouch. Today’s USA/Sweden game got bumped for regular programming on Versus. Like, fishing shows and the like. Will be broadcast on tape delay at 11 PM EST. Not a good way to build a following… especially in a game that should attract more viewers than Norway or Austria did.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:42 AM EDT reply actions

Great...

So that will be taking up space on my DVR instead…

In studio pregame on Monday, they said they would air the Canada-Switzerland game on Tuesday morning. I set my DVR for that too, and got three hours of guys out on a lake.

Thanks, Versus, just after i was talking up the promise of the new NHL deal to skeptical friends.

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by Chris Dobbertean on May 4, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Honestly, they’re giving up on this tournament ridiculously quickly. Its the first time really its been widely available in the USA.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

And the fact they don’t allow Americans the option of purchasing the IIHF’s streaming package is even more idiotic. That option was a lifesaver when available…and a money-saver too. That meant I no longer had to ship a box of videotape to my relatives in Ontario to get (long-delayed) access to games.

Funny they didn’t even kick the rights down to NHL Network US or Universal Sports. World Juniors is starting to build a following because its consistently shown on NHLN now. Pity they won’t do the same with the main WC.

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by Chris Dobbertean on May 4, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I don’t get that at all (why NHL Net doesn’t pick it up). The time slots don’t interfere with the playoffs, except the late games on weekends match up with the NHL matinees.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s too bad for Austria that they ended up playing in Kosice. Bratislava is less than an hour away from Vienna, could’ve drawn a lot more crowd support if they had played there.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:46 AM EDT reply actions

3rd period about to start (DEN/LAT)… Norway/Austria already underway, won’t be paying much attention there.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:54 AM EDT reply actions

Good start for Denmark. Hit a goalpost, I believe.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:58 AM EDT reply actions

DEN Penalty

Kasper Jansen, tripping Vasilijevs in the slot. Just poor one on one defence, really.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

Nice glove save by Masalskis off Boedker.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:06 PM EDT reply actions

Pretty much in next goal wins territory now for DEN/LAT. Teams aren’t taking many chances.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:21 PM EDT reply actions

DEN Peanlty

Hersby for interference. Less than 4 mins to go.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:23 PM EDT reply actions

3:07 to be exact, actually.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Big save by Andersen in the scramble.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:25 PM EDT reply actions

Wow. Another huge save, though the Latvian player did put that puck back into the middle of the net.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions

back towards the middle, that is. Not in. :)

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions

That was some kind of goaltending. Super aggressive. Penalty killed, all thanks to Andersen.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed, the kid was clutch.

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by Cam Collingwood on May 4, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Pretty much, yeah. Andersen is holding down the fort.

Wasn’t that a penalty at centre ice by the way? When the Latvian player turtled over the puck?

Interesting note: 23-year old Mads Bødker has already played 80+ international games for Denmark.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions

could have been a penalty but glad they didn’t bother calling anything.

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by Cam Collingwood on May 4, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Not in the NHL. Not sure about IIHF. Could’ve caused a defensive zone faceoff, I think… same type of infraction as an intentional offside.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

2-2 DEN/LAT After 3

Winner will be decided in OT or a shootout.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:31 PM EDT reply actions

5-0 Norway Final

Austria officially sent to relegation.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:31 PM EDT reply actions

And now a shootout.

Tons of flopping in that OT, looking for the cheap penalty.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:40 PM EDT reply actions

Great glove saves by each goalie to start.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

3-2 DEN wins in SO

Mads Christensen with the fake hat trick. 2 regulation goals plus shootout winner.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:48 PM EDT reply actions

who else would it be?

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by Cam Collingwood on May 4, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Seriously, why did Denmark wait until #4 for Christensen? And no Boedker in the shootout, either? Oh well, they won.

Great saves by the goalies throughout the shootout, though.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Because the others have more shootout experience on the team. Julian Jakobsen alone has 4 shootout goals for Denmark this season.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Boedker was 4 for 4 on shootouts in the AHL this year. 3 for 7 in 2009-10.

He was 0 for 2 in the NHL this year, though that’s still a great % overall.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m certainly not going to argue that Bødker would have been a bad choice for the shootout. I was just saying Green, Madsen and Jakobsen were not necessarily wrong for the first 3.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, and to be honest, the first three attempts were all very good ones that easily could’ve been goals. Masalskis was great.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Those gloves saves on Green and Jakobsen were sweet.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

If it was the old 5 shooter setup, Denmark would be sitting pretty well, I think.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

THERE IT IS!!! THERE IT IS!!!

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 12:48 PM EDT reply actions

Danish commentators are going crazy. Justifiably singing Andersen’s praises to the high heavens.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

WOW

Latvia must be heartbroken… great job by the Danes. I was wondering why Mads didn’t shoot earlier as well. I would NOT want to be in relegation this year… Latvia and Belarus… that is a rough rough draw. Nice to see that hockey is getting much more competitive in the top 12 now. I’m going offline for the day as I’ll be watching the IIHF feed of the Czech Finland game when I get home. I’m sure it is obvious who I’ll be cheering for :-)

by Czechboy on May 4, 2011 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

Latvia has only played in relegation play twice the last 14 years. This is the first time Denmark has ever beaten Latvia.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

very sad, Masalskis was brilliant in SO, but Christensen made cool shot and entire latvians was awful in SO. Christensen made this game!

by Mihali4 on May 4, 2011 12:53 PM EDT reply actions

That last Latvian attempt should’ve been buried for sure. Held onto the puck too long, carried it just wide.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Frederik Andersen wasn’t too shabby either :)

Really, both goaltenders played great and were the best players of their respective teams I think.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

This really was a tough draw. You don’t want to be ranked #12 or #13, that’s for sure.

We’re seeing that there are 13 truly competitive nations currently, so one will always have to be in relegation. France over Belarus was simply an upset.

While staying up would be a huge accomplishment for either of Slovenia or Austria, I can’t fathom how either Belarus or Latvia would finish behind them with so much on the line.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 12:59 PM EDT reply actions

Realistically, they shouldn’t. Hockey is way too unpredictable to make any sort or guarantee.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Ha ha.

Mads Bødker unaware that the team is playing Russia tomorrow night but promises they will treat themselves to a few steaks tonight and avoid the hotel cuisine.

Frederik Andersen’s response to being told he played well:

“Yeah, it went pretty well. I’m not really sure why.”

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 1:07 PM EDT reply actions

An interesting note is that Denmark actually beat Russia the last time the two teams met in the Energi Danmark Cup.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Denmark's schedule

Thursday (late): Russia
Saturday (early): Germany
Monday (late): Slovakia

I’d be very surprised if they advanced.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 1:27 PM EDT reply actions

I could see them forcing 2 of those games to OT… I’m still not convinced the Germans are the real deal and Slovakia are, so far, wilting under the pressure. Russia, as always, is very flukey until it matters. I obviously hope Slovakia play really well and get a good position but they have dug a big hole for themselves. I also hope they don’t have to play the Czechs.

by Czechboy on May 4, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Slovakia has gotten better as the tournament has progressed. Of course, that is not a guarantee that they will keep progresssing, but it is a good sign for them nonetheless.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I think they’re a bit unlucky to have not gotten points against Russia or Germany. I think they can still advance despite their 0 pts carried forward.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Relegation Games

Thu (early): Slovenia vs. Latvia (Bratislava), Belarus vs. Austria (Kosice)
Sat (very early): Austria vs. Slovenia (Bratislava), Belarus vs. Latvia (Kosice)
Sun (late): Slovenia vs. Belarus (Bratislava), Latvia vs. Austria (Kosice)

Slovenia spends entire tournament in Bratislava. Weird.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 1:35 PM EDT reply actions

Mads Christensen In which team is he play now?

by Mihali4 on May 4, 2011 1:49 PM EDT reply actions

Eisbaren Berlin (DEL and European Trophy Champions)

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Very tight checking so far in Czech/Finland.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 2:34 PM EDT reply actions

1-0 SWE over USA

Berglund with a one timer from the slot.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

1-1 SWE/USA

Cam Fowler pinches on the PP.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

Score holds to end of 1st. USA is back on the PP to start the 2nd.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

0-0 CZE/FIN after 1

Czechs on a 2 man advantage to end the period (and start next). Took a late shot on goal, caused a big scrum.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

Koivu gets 2 for cross-checking at end of 1st. Jan Marek gets 2 for roughing plus 10 min misconduct, likely for shooting the puck late.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh, that was not a good goal Al Montoya just allowed.

by Jake Shapiro on May 4, 2011 3:08 PM EDT reply actions

2-1 SWE

Marcus Kruger capitalizes off of a Montoya turnover behind the net.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:08 PM EDT reply actions

1-0 CZE

Milan Michalek in the slot on the PP.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:08 PM EDT reply actions

Due to work and whatnot, this USA-Sweden game is the first one from Worlds I’ve been able to watch live.
I’m always pleasantly surprised by the lack of commercial breaks in international play.

by Jake Shapiro on May 4, 2011 3:10 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, we don’t have that many here. The only commercial breaks we get are in between periods.

"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus

by Madelle on May 4, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Big miss by Ruutu. Pavelec able to recover, was down and out. Still 1-0 Czechs.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

Man, the U.S. is playing like the Caps.

by Jake Shapiro on May 4, 2011 3:18 PM EDT reply actions

3-1 SWE

Matthias Sjogren for Sweden. Bit of a softie, I must say.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:19 PM EDT reply actions

Well that was embarrassing for Ekman-Larsson. Knocked down by the linesman in the post-whistle festivities.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

Not looking good for the US. Most of these Swedish goals have been products of American turnovers and sloppy play.

by Jake Shapiro on May 4, 2011 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

4-1 SWE

Berglund takes advantage of an unfortunate bounce for the US. Have to think Conklin is coming in soon, even if that one wasn’t really Al’s fault.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

2nd period now over, still 4-1.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

1-0 CZE over FIN after 2

These guys can’t play a high scoring game against each other. Ever.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:35 PM EDT reply actions

cze-fin

very tough game like they fight for medal.

by Mihali4 on May 4, 2011 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

Tuomo Ruutu hits Jagr, gets a boarding call. Jagr was turning when he was hit. Plekanec comes to his defense, melee ensues.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

Is ‘Ruutu’ finish for ‘I hate Jagr and must kill him’? Seems like every Ruutu has taken a cheapshot at the guy!

by Czechboy on May 4, 2011 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions

2-0 CZE

Plekanec on a rebound, just after Ruutu penalty ended.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:54 PM EDT reply actions

Check that, it was Jagr. Both were nearby.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Montoya is playing the 3rd period for the Americans. A bit surprised.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

4-2 SWE

Blake Wheeler as the puck gets lost under a sliding d-man, ends up in the net.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

Pavelec has been good, but Finland’s shooting still leaves something to be desired. This should not be a shutout… they should’ve buried at least one by now.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 4:16 PM EDT reply actions

5-2 SWE

Jimmie Ericsson. This one is over.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

6-2 SWE

Petrasek on a late PP.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

That’s the final.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions

2-1 CZE Final

Anssi Samela scored with 19 seconds left to break the shutout, but that’s all. Czechs win Group D.

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by Bruce Peter on May 4, 2011 4:29 PM EDT reply actions

Pavelec run round like a squirrel in a cage last minutes of 3 period.

by Mihali4 on May 4, 2011 4:30 PM EDT reply actions

Pavelec looked out of control the whole game… it is like he is channeling Curtis Joseph, Domink Hasek and Tim Thomas all at once… I thought he was more ‘technical’ but he was on his ass a lot in this game! Still, 1 goal against in the last 2 games is great. We have the same draw as Denmark (obviously) and I hate that we have to play Slovakia.

by Czechboy on May 4, 2011 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

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World Championship: Day 6 Open Thread

Denmark vs. Latvia (4:15 PM local, 10:15 AM EST)

Austria vs. Norway (4:15 PM local, 10:15 AM EST)

Finland vs. Czech Republic (8:15 PM local, 2:15 PM EST)

Sweden vs. United States (8:15 PM local, 2:15 PM EST)

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