Norway and Germany relegated

03 Jan 2011 | Fredrik Pålsson

Czech Republic and Slovakia stays in the WJC Elite group while Norway and Germany returns down to division 1.

With one round left of the WJC relegation round it's alredy decided that Norway and Germany will be relegated. Slovakia had no problems defeating Norway 5-0 even if the game was somewhat closer than the result says. For example Norway had 37 shots on goal while Slovakia had 31. The last two goals was also scored in empty nets.

Richard Panik was the big man of the match scoring three goals and one assist and Juraj Holly also made an impressive performance making 37 saves for the shutout.

The game between the Czech Republic and Germany was closer. With 10 minutes left to play Germany had a 2-1 lead after goals by Hauner and Mochel but then Ondrej Palat took the role of the hero and saved the Czechs place in the elite group with two goals. The first a tap-in from close range and the other one a nice finish to well executed two on one situation.

"The atmosphere in the dresing room right now is not really one of happiness but sheer relief," Palat told IIHF.com. "Now we know we cannot be relegated. We were very nervous out there. Both players and staff on the bench were very tense today."

The Germans tried to pull the goalie but never got the equalizer and will be relegated but they have showed that they are getting closer to the top teams.