Sweden hates underdog

Last stop Sweden: as predictable Slovenia’s dream journey in Sochi ends here: too strong world champion Sweden, with 24 NHLers in the roster, for a I Division team that has already stunned the world climbing until quarter finals. Sweden hasn’t defender Henrik Tallinder, coach Kopitar not dressed Anze Kuralt and Miha Verlic. In the first period Slovenia, supported by the Russian and neutral fans, has a big chance with captain Tomaz Razingar in a head-to-head with Henrik Lundqvist but the goalie denies the possible advantage. Sweden, like all great teams, expects sly, leaves the opponent to vent and deplete the charge of enthusiasm – another chance by  David Rodman – begins to tease goalie Robert Kristan with long-range shots and finally opens the score with Alexander Steen at 18:50: St. Louis Blues forward is the quickest to get in the net a bounced-off shot by Daniel Alfredsson.

Second period has same storyboard: Lundqvist makes three great saves during an aggressive Slovenian power play, Razingar delights fans with a solo in Swedish defense, Kristan well protects Slovenia goal surviving to a power play and Sweden proves not to be in a hurry and want to save precious energy. A goal by Daniel Sedin after 1.40 of third period dismantle Slovenia’s hopes, buried by Loui Eriksson at 48:08, well served by Backstrom. At 51:27 and 56:10 Carl Hagelin gives victory the scale appropriate to the value of the teams. Sweden files to semifinals, Slovenes can only be proud of their beyond all expectations campaign as star Anze Kopitar said in post-game: "We're very proud of this team. We've had a hell of a tournament, and we've got to be very happy with the results. It's definitely a disappointing feeling right now. We felt that we could maybe surprise another team, but it didn't happen today."

Henrik Lundqvist earns 2nd shoot-out

"We respected their skill. They had a few chances, not a lot, but as long as it's just a one-goal game, you never know. Especially early on in the game they had a couple good chances, but we played a patient and smart game.' And in the third we took over and started creating big chances. It was just a good feeling to see the second and third goal go in and kind of feel that we had this one. But it was a nerve-racking game, for sure, in the first periods." said Henrik Lundqvist analyzing the game

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