Monday, April 27, 2009

USA, Latvia & Czech Republic Win

Latvia defeated Sweden for the first time in their history today by a 3-2 final. The two teams have faced each other eleven times in the past, and Sweden won 10, and the two clubs played to a draw one time. But today, the Latvians won in a shootout.

Karlis Skrastins, the Latvian captain, was even in plus/minus with two shots and no points, while Janis Sprukts went without points and shots.

Latvia's goaltender, Edgars Masalskis, stopped 38 of 40 Swedish shots.

The United States and the Czech Republic both won today, as well. For the U.S., defenseman Keith Ballard had one assist and for the Czech Republic, Rostislav Olesz had a helper of his own.

The U.S.A. rolled over Austria, 6-1 and the Czechs beat Norway, 5-2.

In the little bit of the Czech/Norway game that I was able to watch, Olesz looked pretty good, and his assist was nicely done. Protecting the puck while off to the side of the Norwegian net, he started back out, saw teammate Miroslav Blatak coming down center and fed a short pass to Blatak which promptly entered the net. The goal gave the Czech Republic a 4-1 lead.

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