Close again Latvia

On the first day of the World Championship in Russia Latvia was close to beating Sweden and today the 3-pointer was even closer. With a minute to go Latvia was in the lead against Czech Republic but a second later Michal Repik tied it 3-3. After a scoreless overtime period it was all decided in the shootout. Lukas Kaspar took the first shot for the Czechs and found a hole between the pads of Edgars Masalskis to score. As all remaining shots failed, Czech Republic won the game 4-3.

It looked like it would become an easy win for the Czech favorites, who beat Russia yesterday. Veteran Tomas Plekanec who participates in the World Championship for the ninth time scored 1-0 and 2-0 early in the first period. But after that tough opening Latvian goalie Edgars Masalskis didn't allow more goals until the last minute. Pavel Francouz guarded the Czech net and he kept it clean until 35:26 when Roberts Bukarts beat him.

At 48:20 Zemgus Girgensons picked up a lose puck in front of Francouz and tied the game. Surprisingly it was also Latvia who took the late lead. At 57:41 the Czechs left Mikelis Redlihs all alone in front of the net and he made no mistake on the pass from Andris Džeriņš.

Czech Republic recovered quickly from the shock and 1:20 later Michal Repic tied it when Francouz had been pulled for the extra attacker.

Plekanec and Masalskis - best players of the game.
Photo: Michal Eger

Latvia has been close now but should still be happy with two points from two difficult games. Next up is another tough opponent: Russia. After that comes four more important games to reach the quarterfinals: Switzerland, Denmark, Kazakhstan and Norway. The Czechs will face Sweden in their next game.

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