Friday, February 6, 2009

Latvia Eliminates Ukraine

With their 4-2 win today against Ukraine, Latvia is in the driver's seat for their Olympic qualification push, needing only one of a possible three points on Sunday to qualify for next winter's Olympic Games.

The game will be against Italy - and Italy still has a chance to qualify. So there's a lot riding on that game. One nation's Olympic dreams will end and another will move on.


Today, Janis Sprukts scored once; it was an empty-netter that sealed the deal late in the third. The goal is his second in the tournament and his fourth point. Only teammate (and Boston Bruins' prospect) Mārtiņš Karsums has more with five (3G, 2A).

And while it has nothing to do with the Panthers, Group E (Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Japan) is currently being led by the host, Germany - but the teams have only played one game, so despite Germany's three points and +6 in goal differential, anything can happen.

As for Group G (Denmark, France, Norway, Kazakhstan), teams have played only once thus far, both games ending in a 2-1 final, with only Norway winning in regulation. France picked up two points for an overtime win, and only Kazakhstan is without a point.

The winner from each group qualifies for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, BC.

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