Features

The view from the stands - weekend review

Monday, 20th February 2006
The big news before Thursday’s play was the announcement that favourites Czech Republic have lost Patrick Elias with a rib injury and more importantly Dominik Hasek has pulled a groin. Tomas Vokoun is now nr 1 and Hnilia has been drafted as nr 2.  Young goalie Safliki is to take the number 3 spot.
 
To the games on Thursday.
 
Didn’t take long for shocks to happen and the Czeck Republic  went down to a 3-2 defeat to Switzerland. Colorado’s David Aebischer was the star of the game saving 40 shots, including a massive 20 in the second, six of them on Jaromir Jagr. Ziegler gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead in the first, only to be pegged back early in the second from Jagr. Paterlini gave the Eidgnossen the lead again with a short hander but Zidlicky again leveled in the third. Switzerland got the winner through Mark Steit on the powerplay at 46.42. Third choice Czech goalie Vokoun saved 16 of the 19 shots on goal and the Czechs surprisingly announced that Hasek has a 40-60% chance of playing again…… not sure how that will go with the rules.
 
The outstanding Finnish team made it 2 wins out of 2 with a 6-0 hammering of Italy. Two goals from Teemu Selane and marks from Koivu, Lehtinen, Jokinen and Peltonen gave the Finns another 2 points. A much bigger test awaits them with games against the Czechs and Canadians. Can they keep their bottle and win a medal. ? Italy on the other hand have faced 101 shots in two games.
 
Canada also got their second win with an easy 5-1 victory over Germany. Three goals in the first 10 mins of the first period put them in easy street.
Joe Sakic, Wade Redden and Simon Gagne were the scorers. Ehrhoff scored for Germany early in the second with a rocket that whizzed past the screened Luongo but Dany Heatley scored to give Canada a 4-1 lead at the end of the 2nd.  Shane Doan finished scoring in the third to give Canada 2 wins from 2.
 
 
Friday was ‘Ladies Day’ with the men taking a rest.
 
Germany beat Italy 5-2 and Russia beat Switzerland 6-2 in the games for the minor placings in the competition.
 
The semi final line up was Sweden v USA and Canada v Finland with the North Americans huge favourites to contest the final as they did in Salt Lake 4 years ago.
 
Somebody forgot to tell the Swedes !!!!
 
An absolutely outstanding game , brilliantly reffed by our very own Joy Tottman, kept everybody on the edge of their seats.
 
Sweden are fast catching up on their cousins from across the pond and really took the game to the Americans. It all started so well for the USA with King scoring after 11.55 assistend by Potter and Chu to go in to the first break 1-0. It looked all over when Stephens scored on 21.04 to double their advantage. Sloppy defence allowed Rooth to get one back for Sweden after 26.17 and just 3 mins later  the same girl made it 2-2 assisted by O’Konor ( Irish grandparents ???) . That was it for the second.
 
The third was end to end with a couple of 5 on 3 plays thrown in but there was no addition to the score.  Heroines for the Swedes were Kim Martin, who saved 37 shots and stopped all 4 American penalty shots, and Rooth who not only got two goals in regulation but also scored the winning penaltyshot. Martin will now pick up at least a silver to add to her bronze in Salt Lake when she was only 15.
 
Could Finland pull off another shock and put out the huge favourites Canada. The Canadians had scored 36 goals and only lost 1 in their preliminary games and were expected to dominate.  The Finns proved sticky opponents for the first 15 mins but after Gillian Apps got the go ahead goal, there was no way back.
The Finns had no answer to the Canadian power play as they scored 5 out of their 6 goals on advantage play. Cherie Piper scored twice and Hayley Wickenheiser added one as the favourites cruised into the final on a 6-0 scoreline.
 
So to Monday’s final, which incidentally will be the first time since international competition began in 1990 that the USA and Canada will not meet in the final.
 
The bronze medal game between USA and Finland will precede the final and will be reffed by Joy Tottman. A great achievement by our best lady referee.
 
That’s it for Friday’s play!
 
On Saturday,  first up was Russia v Kazakhstan and with the Russians huge favourites, the Kazaks were expected to try and outmuscle their more talented opponents. First period can best be described as robust hockey with some really hard checks being put in by both teams. The period ended scoreless but with the Kazaks taking penalty after penalty it only seems a matter of time before the red bear take the lead.
 
The go ahead goal finally came after 31.38 as Kharitonov scores with a wrap around from behind the net after a rocket from Sushinsky. End of the 2nd and still only 1-0. Ironic that the Russians have had 11 powerplays so far but their only goal came evenhanded. Shots on goal stood at 36-17 after 40 minutes.
 
Third period was much the same as the first with the Russians dominating and the Kazaks gamely trying to match their skill with hard fore-checking. No more scoring and Nabakov has his second shut out in a row. Top man for Russia was again Ovechkin. Final shot count was 50-24 so I suppose Yeremeyev must get man of the match for Kazakhstan especially as he faced 13 penalty kills during the game.
 
 
First game of the day in Group A saw Germany face hosts Italy hoping to kick start their tournament. Germany has disappointed yet again and are really looking for a boost before the world qualifiers in Amiens in April. Stuffy first period with the Germans just shading it on possession but not where it counts as Ex Ayr Scottish Eagle John “ Skippy” Parco put Italy in the lead after only 2.03 to send the home crowd wild. Period ends with Italy on the power play and Germany leading on shots 8-6.
 
2nd starts with controversy as Germany have an equaliser washed out for a penalty before the shot. German coach doing a “ Dave Whistle” on the bench. Germany finally get the goal they deserve after 26 mins as Boos powers his way through the Italian defence and Martinec picks up the pieces for 1-1. Rest of the period is littered with penalties and Italy failing to take advantage of a 5 on 3.  End of 40 mins 1-1.
 
Italy survived another 5 on 3 early in the third and the whole arena went wild as they took a 2-1 lead after 44mins. Bettin’s first shot was well saved by Kolzig, John Parco picked up the rebound behind the net and fed to Iob who was standing all on his own and shot high over the goalie. Shock definitely on the cards here.
 
Germany finally get their A game to function and equalise at 47.16 with a goal from a Felski shot from the point. Anybody’s game here with the gutsy Italians well worth their draw at the moment. With 56 minutes on the clock Germany have out shot Italy 19-6 in this third period and still they cannot find a way through. 58.28 gone and the palace erupts as Borgatello one times a De Bettin pass for a short-handed go-ahead goal. Can Italy hold out? Nope, Germany immediately pull Kolzig and the lead lasts only 16 seconds as Kreutzer pounces on slack Italian play to make it 3-3. No more drama and a well deserved tie for the hosts. Germany will be disappointed but this might bode well for GB who face the Germans in Amiens in May. They do not seem able to get their game going at the moment and new coach Krupp has a huge job on his hands.
 
Canada took on surprise package Switzerland in the Group A afternoon game expecting to tie up the points and move on towards the medal rounds. The Swiss, on the back of a superb win against the Czech Republic were not going to lie down for them. In a very physical first period the game was littered with penalties. Switzerland survived a 3 on 5 penalty around the 15th minute and took a surprise lead on 18 mins.
 
Canada miss a great chance to take the lead when Smith drops a pass to Doan who had the keeper on his backside but shot over. Draper then gave the puck away and it was the Swiss turn to have a 2 on 1 break. Della Rossa took the puck behind the net and passed a beut to Di Pietro in the slot to make it 1-0.  That was it for the first period with Gerber saving all 12 shots on him. Could the Swiss add Canada to their impressive list of wins?
 
The second period was very physical as the Canadians in typical North American style took their hard game to the Swiss. Doan, Heatley and Pronger all took a stint in the box. Switzerland set up their powerplay brilliantly. The puck came from the left point to the right and the Swiss defender on point put a shot into traffic. It hit a body and bounced to wide open Di Pietro on the left of the crease and it was easy peasy for the winger to put the puck in the net for his and Switzerland’s second.
 
Canada then camped themselves in the Swiss zone as shots rained in on Gerber and on 32 minutes they had the puck in the net. However the ref had already blown for Bertuzzi in the crease. Two minutes later the Canadians thought they had the puck in the bag again. Gerber charged across his crease to catch a puck with his glove with the Canadians claiming he was behind the goal. The ref went upstairs for review and the replays seemed to show a goal.  After what seemed an age, the goal was not given and Switzerland keep their two goal lead.  That did it for the second and the Swiss seem up for another upset. Canada are playing well and two goals are not beyond them in the third.
 
 
Canada upped their game early on in the third in an attempt to get behind the well marshalled Swiss defence. Their momentum was checked a little when Le Cavalier went to the box for 2 plus 10 for boarding and misconduct. This gave the Swiss a bit of a breather but after the end of the penalty it was all Canada again. Nash spun left of the circle and threw a pass to Thornton. How Gerber got to the shot is a mystery. The Swiss netminder is having a super game and has saved all 40 shots so far with 8 mins to go. A nasty high stick on Joe Sakic gave the Canadians another powerplay and Pronger carried the puck into the zone and slapped one which the brilliant Gerber saved again. Pronger’s frustration got to him and he had a slash at the goalie on the way past. Two minutes later and Canada were on their 10th powerplay of the game. Brodeur is pulled and Canada wound up for one last effort. Again things got a bit out of hand and Nash went to the box for knocking down Gerber. Not only that, it looked like there were 3 Canadians in the crease.  Switzerland wound down the clock for an amazing win. Second big win in two games for the Eidgenossen. They are without a doubt the shock team of the games so far. Canada appeared in total shock at the end of the game and will have to recover quickly if they are to retain their gold status. The crowd went absolutely crazy as they saluted the underdog’s brilliant win.
 
Sweden took on Latvia in the second of the afternoon games, determined to make up for their dismal performance against Russia. Good news for the Tre Krone was that icon Peter Forsberg was fit and icing.  First 10 mins were all Sweden and Latvia were struggling to stay in the game. Forsberg made his presence felt in the 14th minute when he shot at Naumovs. Pahlsson picked up the rebound and made it 1-0.
No further score in the first as the Swedes outshot their opponents 11-2.
 
More of the same in the second with the rampant Swedes erasing their last performance from their minds. 2.22 into the period and Tribuncovs tripps Johnsson and with only 12 seconds gone in the penalty, Zetterberg fed Lidstrom for 2-0.  24.59 and its 3-0 with Alfredsson scoring on the powerplay. The shell shocked Naumovs is replaced by the evergreen Artus Irbe. Not a lot of difference here as Forsberg fed Axelsson who thumped the rubber past Irbe for 4-0.
 
The absolutely shocked Latvia call time out to try and stem the tide. 27.58 and the Swedes went nap. The yellow avalanche swarmed round Irbe’s goal and the goalie lost his stick. As the defenders rushed to get him a spare Zetterberg shot from the right and Holmstrom gathered the rebound and fed it back to Zetterberg who backhanded the puck top shelf.  Outstanding goal. The period ended with the score 5-0 and Sweden outshooting Latvia 28-8, a really powerful display by a wounded animal.
No let up for the Latvians as Sweden come out in the third, determined to finish the job. 4.48 into the period and Daniel Alfredsson gets his second of the game to make the score 6-0. Latvia did eventually make their mark with a goal from Ziedens at 49.20 to a resounding cheer round the arena. That was it for the night as Peter Forsberg makes a welcome return to the Tre Krone with2 assists as they cruise past the Latvians 6-1.
 
What a day of hockey and still two games to go in the evening as the unbeaten Slovakia take on USA and the Czech Republic try to bounce back against the impressive Finns, who are also unbeaten.
 
First period between USA and Slovakia was an end to end affair with the best chances of the period falling to Slovakia at 12 mins when Demitra dropped the puck for Hossa who pinged one against the pipes and across the empty crease. Another great chance for Slovakia as the period ended when Bondra swept across the lue line to find Satan. Satan shot and Di Pietro sprawled on his back and blocked the shot with his elbow.  End of the 1st 0-0.
 
Slovakia started the second period the more likely team and USA were having trouble clearing their zone. The Slovaks deservedly took the lead after Schneider went to the box for 10 mins for checking from behind. Looked a bit harsh but this time the Slovak power play came up trumps. 34.20 gone and Hossa takes a pass from Demitra and shot through the gaping 5 hole of Di Pietro. Both teams are finishing their checks well, sometimes bordering on the illegal. USA deservedly equalised on 38mins when a rocket from left point beat the goalie all ends up. End of 2nd and 1-1. Another great game.
 
Slovakia take the lead again after 2.03 of the third when great work from Satan behind the net allowed him to pop one in front of goal and somehow Peter Bondra got a stick to the puck before 3 USA players and sneaked it through Di Pietro’s five hole . Just a minute later Rolston could have equalised again as he tried a wrap around with Budaj out of position but the puck slid off his stick onto the post and away.  Doug Weight heads for the box on an interference call at 47mins and the Americans have another good chance on the break away but the Slovak keeper covers up well. Good end to end hockey for the rest of the game but the Slovaks hold out for a narrow win. Chelios , the American skipper is not happy with the officiating and spends five minutes at the end of the game arguing the toss. 
 
Lat game of the day was the one I was waiting for as the Czech republic faced up to the so far unbeaten Finns.
 
Slow start to the game with both teams measuring up each other. The Czechs found their game first and started pressing the Finnish zone. Czech Republic took the lead at 8.25 on the powerplay as Zidlicky sold the keeper a pup to score. The lead only lasts six minutes. Finnland equalise through Oli Jokinen who was free at the far post. That was all the action in the first and the scores are level.
 
6 minutes into the second period and Ruutu came in with a massive hit on Jagr who went down like a sack of spuds bleeding from the head after catching his face on the barrier. Looked nasty.
 
This upsets the rest of the Czech team and we had a bit of handbags with Ruutu the centre of attention.Straka picked up 2 plus 2 for roughing and Koivu picked up two mins for the original trip and Ruutu got himself a 5 plus game. Excellent call by the ref. Finland take the lead for the first time after 13 mins of the period when a trickler got away from Vokoun and Lehtinen scored.  Vokoun would like to have that one back.  Czech came back strong and equalised 3 mins later, again on the power play and a second goal from Zidlicky who found the Finnish defence open up in front of him and he blasted the puck past Nitimaki. End of the period and the scores are level at 2-2.
 
Blitz start by the Finns in the third period and Teemu Selanne turned and shot, hit the top corner of the net and off the back of the helpless Vokoun and into the net.  Finland are now playing blue line hockey as they defend their lead but are dangerous on the break and Selanne shoots just over after 43 minutes. End to end stuff now as the Czechs try to open up the Finnish defence and chances by Kubina and Hentunen were saved by the respective keepers.
 
Finland went 4-2 up at 48.30 when Lehtinen pounced on a loose puck in front of goal, his shot ricoched off thepost and caught the keepers feet and slid across the line. Vokoun is not having the best of luck tonight.  The world champions pressed hard to try and get back in the game but the Finns held out to record their 3rd win in a row.
 
Important games on Sunday with six quarter final places still up for grabs.
 
First up is Germany v Switzerland. The Germans have disappointed again and the Swiss have been a revelation with wins over Canada and Czech Republic. However those wins won’t matter if they don’t get a result against Germany.
 
In a game Germany just have to win, they start quickly and have the better of the early exchanges. Not a lot to report after 20 mins, score 0-0 with the Swiss picking up their game. Perhaps they celebrated a bit too much after their win against Canada. Shot count 8-7 to the Swiss.
 
Germany start the second in a very physical mode trying to put the Swiss off their game and it pays off when a super hit on the boards caused a turnover and Ehrhoff tried a shot from the point. Aebischer saved well but Felski was right in front of goal and the rebound just fell onto his tape for him to make it 1-0 at 22:20. Where was the big hairy Swiss D man who should have cleared Felski into the stands before he got his shot ?
Six minutes later the Swiss equalise as Fischer creeps between two d men and got a shot on goal. Kolzig saved well but Fischer picked up his own rebound behind the net and quickly fired the puck back in front of a helpless Kolzig and Conne put the biscuit home 1-1.
Good game here with end to end hockey but the Swiss beginning to dominate and they deservedly took the lead 2 mins from the end of the second as hot shot DiPietro tucked the puck home past Kolzig. 2-1 end of the second.
 
Very exciting 3rd period with the Germans really going for the win they desperately need. 10 mins to go and it’s a superb even contest with the Swiss outshooting their opponents 20-18.
 
52:10 and Tino Boos gets the tying goal. Brilliant work on the right from Martinec forcing the save from Aebischer. Boos was on hand in front of goal and put the puck home at the second attempt. Superb last 8 mins as the Germans press hard for the winner. Germany pull their goalie with 40 seconds to go but just fire over at the death. The Swiss hang on for the point that guarantees them a quarter final place.  Final score 2-2.
 
Second morning game is Russia against Latvia, surely the red bear will have too much fire power for the feisty Latvians.
Russia came out of the traps on fire and had 6 shots on goal in the first 5 minutes. They went ahead when Markov found Kovalchuk free in front and he does not miss chances like that. 7:27 on the clock. Less than 2 minutes later it is 2-0 as Sushinsky let a rocket rip from left point and it was past Irbe before he could move. 2-0 and possibly a rout in progress.
9:55 and the Latvians caught the Russians asleep when Cipruss stole the puck and bore down on Nabakov slipping it past him for 2-1.  12.36 and the Russians regain their two goal advantage when the brilliant Datsyuk danced past the Latvian defence and found Kovalchuk free on the right side, again Kovalchuk does not miss . 3-1. That’s it for the 1st with the Latvians unable to take advantage of a couple of power plays as the period ends.  3-1 to Russia.
 
Much of the same in the second and it is 4-1 after only 3:32 of the period as Kovalev and the brilliant Datsyuk combine to provide Kovalchuk with his hat trick goal. 90 seconds later and Kozlov makes it 5-1.That’s it for veteran Artus Irbe as he is replaced by Naumovs. Will that be the last we will see of the great goalie. Its all one way here and the Kovalchuk, Datsyuk, pairing come up trumps again with Kovalchuk getting his 4th goal. The Latvians are getting frustrated now and taking a lot of daft penalties. End of the second 6-1 and probably more to come.
 
It only took 1.58 for the 7th goal as veteran Yashin was left all alone in front of goal to score assisted by Ovechkin and Kozlov.  47:32 and 19 year old Malkin picked up a pass from Sushinski to make it 8-1. This kid is going to be another Russian sensation in the NHL. 56:27 on the clock and the goal of the game as Ovechkin tapped into an empty net after a 5 pass combination. The Latvians looked dizzy after this one. With just under 2 mins left Latvia got a second consolation when Redlihs put one upstairs on Sokolov who had come on for Nabokov at the start of the period. End of the game and a comprehensive display by the ever improving Russians. They are going to be a force in the knockout stages as they confirm their quarter final stage.
 
It’s the turn of Kazakhstan and Slovakia in the first of the afternoon games. Slovakia were very slow starters and had 4 shots on goal in the first 10 miutes, same as the Kazaks. As the period wore on, the more skilful Slovaks took control but could not break down a resolute defence.
Then, with Hossa in the box on a hooking penalty, the Kazaks took the lead. With only a couple of seconds left on the powerplay a pass came into Koreshikov who slapped an unstoppable shot past the Slovak goalie.
Goal timed at 16:16 and despite another powerplay chance for Slovakia the score remained 1-0 at the end of the first.
 
Second period was littered by niggly penalties, 6 mins on Slovakia and 14 on Kazakhstan. This resulted in a 5 on 3 chance for Kazakhstan and 2 for Slovakia. The second of those proved decisive as Bondra redirects the puck into the net after a good save by Kolesnik. Despite outshooting their opponents 13-3, Slovakia are having real trouble breaking down the resolute Kazak defence. Period ends 1-1.
First chance of the 3rd goes to Kazakhstan as Antropov almost tipps the puck into the net. But its Slovakia who take the lead on 48:09, Demitra beats the defence down the left, travels behind the net and feeds Marian Hossa who makes it 2-1. Great end to end hockey as both teams go for it. Bondra is everywhere and has two great chances to settle the game. Into the last 2 mins and still only 2-1. Time runs out for the hard working Kazakhstan who put in their best performance of the tournament as they head home. 2-1 final score.
 
2nd game of the afternoon looks an entertaining affair between USA and Sweden, neither team can afford a defeat although both should progress, the placings will determine who their opponents will be in the quarterfinals.
 
Good entertaining game with both sides going for the win. First chance went to USA as Brian Rolston hit the post in the 3rd minute. Sweden took the lead at 7:05 as Alfredsson took a loose puck in front of the net and roofed one on the backhand with the goalie floundering. Mike Modano went to the box on a rather harsh tripping call at 15:07 and the break must have done him some good as 25 seconds after returning to the ice he scored the equaliser. The veteran took a pass from another “oldie” Chris Chelios on the left circle and snapped a beauty top corner. 1-1. That was all for the first and a very entertaining 1-1 at the end of 20 minutes.
 
Furious end to end play marks the start of the 2nd and Sweden have a powerplay after only 2 mins as Di Pietro picks up 2 for delay of game. Nothing came of the man advantage. After 25mins USA have a 2 man advantage as first Roni Sundin goes for two for a hard hit on Cole and the Swedes pick up another 2 for hooking less than a minute later. Big chance for USA but Lundqvist saves well and Sweden break out and should have scored through Lidstrom. Great save from Di Pietro. Power play over and still 1-1. Its Sweden’s turn to have a man advantage as Doug Weight has his helmet knocked off but continues to play the puck. 2mins in the box. Nothing comes of the man advantage and straight away Sweden pick up two more penalties by the over officious referee. Sweden survive almost 2 mins of the 5 on 3 and the game swings end to end. Great chippy game of hockey as Sweden play the Americans at their own physical hard checking game. Period ends with more penalties and the score 1-1. USA just shades the period with all to play for in the third. IMHO a rather over officious referee is ruining a great game.
 
Third period and the Swedes have upped a gear and putting a shaky Di Pietro under pressure. This pressure tells when only six seconds into a Leopold penalty, Samuelsson had an easy tap in after Di Pietro could only kick out at an Alfredsson tip. The goalie was way out of position to get anywhere near Samuelsson. 10 minutes left now and Sweden look in charge and are putting the American defence under pressure. 4 minutes left and although it is end to end, the difference in the teams is IMHO the goalies. Young Lundqvist is having a stormer and Di Pietro has looked dodgy all night. I reckon Robert Esche  might get the start against Russia on Tuesday. 90 seconds left and USA pull the goalie. The Swedes run out time for a deserved 2-1 win and progress to the quarter finals. USA are almost there and it would take a huge defeat from Russia coupled by a big win for Latvia against Kazakhstan for them not to make it.
 
Czech Republic are taking on the hosts Italy and I doubt if even the partisan crowd will be able to help them.
 
Its all Czech Republic in the first and they go ahead after 12.57as Hejduk bounces a backhand rebound off a skate and into the net. Its 2-0 less than 2 minutes later with a goal from Prospal. Nothing else to report in the period and its 2-0 end of the 1st.
 
Into the 2nd and Prospal is clean through after 28:36 and scores a short hander for his second and the Czechs 3rd. Not a lot else to report, it seems the Czechs are just doing enough and saving themselves for the knockout stages.  End of 2nd 2-0. Shot count 30-10 to the Czechs.
 
Czechs coasting through the period with the Italy getting themselves into penalty trouble. 57 mins gone and Italy get a goal back through their top scorer ex Ayr Scottish Eagle John Parco. They then pull the goalie to try and get a second but Prospal gets his hat trick with an empty netter. End of the game  4-1 to Czech Republic and a place in the quarter Finals.
 
Last game of the day is the biggest of the tournament so far as Canada take on the high flying Finns.
Canada hit penalty trouble early on as Regehr and Pronger sit in the box and Finland wind things up. Finland take the lead at 11:14. Koivu was in possession behind the net and spotted Teemu Selanne coming in from the circle and put the biscuit right on the tape. Selanne went glove side and although Luongo got some of it, he was unable to stop the goal. 15:02 and the Finns go 2-0 as Kapanen was alone in the middle and flashed a rocket over Luongo’s glove. Finland are well on top of a disappointing Canada team. End of the 1st 2-0 to Finland.
 
Much better start for Canada in the 2nd. They are really pressurising the Finns and Nitimaki is on top form. Game is end to end with the Finns the more accomplished side. Chances for both teams but Nitimaki is inspired.
End of the period 2-0 to the Finns.
 
Into the third and Nittymaki is stopping everything. Canada really going for it. Chance after chance for the Canadians but the goalie is standing tall. Thornton had a double chance at 48:00 but could not find the onion bag. Canada end the game in a chippy mood but nothing can faze the Finns as they continue their amazing run in the competition. Can anybody remember the last time Canada were shutout two games in a row?!
 
Cheers!
 
Tambo

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