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Game 1: Kazakhstan gets real damn close, Slovakia wins anyway in 5-4 OT Win.
They got so, so, so close, man.
Also Sam Urban set the game tape on fire outside.
Game Notes
- The Kazakhs, much like the Swiss not too long ago, made a concerted effort to win this game late after being down a distressing number of goals, and unlike the Swiss; they actually found a way to claw their way back into the game knowing that they will be heading for relegation and did it in a real hollywood fashion by scoring the game-tying goal within the final 30 seconds of game time. Sure, it ended a little more Mystery, Alaska by coming up short rather than making a Miracle, but the fact they even clawed a point out of this game should be considered a major point of pride for the country. I will never fault a losing effort that they pried out of regulations’ grasp. I really hope they give the Germans a good wakeup call in the Relegation Round. They earned that much.
- Meanwhile; HEY THERE, SLOVAKIA! What’s all this about giving up two goals in the final five minutes of gametime to the Kazakhs? What was that puck security up at the point? What was that defensive effort in general? What has Sam Urban been doing in between games? You might wanna have a talk about it at practice! Going to the knockouts with that effort really should give you some pause!
Game 2: Latvia sets themselves up to a date at the Quarterfinals, Win 4-3 in OT over Germany
The eternal underdog said “Nein” to Zee Germans and punches their ticket to the knockout round. Love these guys.
Game Notes
- Latvia, ever the struggler, got down early but in their usual game for this tournament decided to be a major problem for the Germans even if they themselves didn’t generate too much offense on their own, eventually leading to the dam breaking once again for the Germans as they managed to take ample advantage of a defensive SNAFU that had Eriks Mateiko pot home the game winner effectively unbothered the entire way. I love this battle potato of a team and you should too.
- Well Germany, I suggested in the preview that Kazakhstan was going to be your foe coming into the Relegation Round, and while Switzerland has gotten real damn close to making my prediction wrong, they unfortunately get to play Kazakhstan next. Your offense came too late, and while I feel awful for you…I can’t say I’m surprised. This was a rough group for you and it hurt.
- Have fun against Finland, Latvia! They’re feeling themselves right now!
Today’s Games
Switzerland vs. Kazakhstan – Noon EST
Speaking of Germany’s inevitable opponent; Switzerland has had a very bad tournament, but so far it’s seemed like playing the Kazakhs has been the cure-all for just about any team. For the Swiss, it better be, because so far their inability to score up until they played Sweden has cost them dearly.
Alternatively, The Kazakhs have a chance to take the form they brought against Slovakia and make me look like a giant fool, so let’s go Kazakhstan!
Finland vs. Latvia – 2:30pm EST
So Finland. You’ve beaten the US and Germany. You’ve got
Sweden vs. Czechia – 5pm EST
The Battle for Group B doesn’t end tonight, but it does determine seeding in the knockout round. And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Both the Swedes and the Czechs have had their run of the tournament, though Czechia has been a little more routine about blowing out their opponents and have yet to surrender a third goal-against all tourney. The Swedes meanwhile have rolled in with a high-octane offense that has had to do some hardcore course correction. While I know the final game of the day will draw the most eyes, this is by far the match I’ve been looking forward to the most out of any; if only because deciding who was the best team in Group B was effectively a toss up between these two teams if Czechia’s goaltending held up, which it has. If you’ve got an hour before supper, I highly recommend putting this game on.
USA vs. Canada – 8pm EST
The best of Group A Clash. This is the main event of the evening even if it just decides seeding for the KO round.
For the Americans, it’s a chance to course correct after the embarrassment of losing to Finland. For the Canadians, it’s a chance to ask everyone to please calm down after spending the last few days venting their spleens about Latvia’s shock win. Both sides would very, very much like to win this in a way that allows them to silence a lot of the consternation swirling around their respective programs for a little bit, and also take a commanding lead. You’ve got no reason not to watch this one.
