Final test before Olympic qualification

Similar to the previous game, the first period remained scoreless, with both teams showcasing strong defensive play. Latvia managed to hit the crossbar, but neither side could capitalize on their opportunities, and they headed into the second period tied 0-0. Both teams successfully killed off penalties during this opening stanza, keeping the tension high but the scoreboard untouched.

The second period burst into life with Denmark taking the lead at 24:48 when Joachim Blichfeld beat Latvian goaltender Gustavs Dāvis Grigals, assisted by Markus Holton Lauridsen and Nicklas Jensen. However, Latvia responded quickly, as Renārs Krastenbergs equalized less than a minute later, following a beautiful pass from Arvils Bergmanis that sent him through on goal.

Latvia's momentum continued when Rodrigo Ābols scored a stunning individual goal at 32:37, maneuvering past Danish defenseman Phillip Bruggisser and firing a wrist shot past the goalie to make it 2-1. Later in the period, Eduards Tralmaks added a shorthanded goal, extending Latvia's lead to 3-1. Denmark cut into the deficit before the end of the period, with Bruggisser scoring a power-play goal at 37:23, reducing the score to 3-2.

Denmark started the final period with determination, and they managed to tie the game at 45:12 through Oscar Fisker Mølgaard’s goal, assisted by Nikolaj Ehlers. However, Latvia showed resilience and regained the lead when Markuss Komuls scored at 49:30, assisted by Rudolfs Balcers and Kaspars Daugavins.

Latvia sealed the win with a power-play goal at 52:18 by Rudolfs Balcers, making it 5-3. Denmark pulled their goaltender late in the game, but despite heavy pressure, Latvia’s defense, particularly Kristiāns Rubīns, who cleared a loose puck from the goal line, held firm.

Key Players:

• Renārs Krastenbergs (Latvia): The Man of the Match for Latvia, Krastenbergs scored the game-tying goal and was a constant offensive threat.
• Rudolfs Balcers (Latvia): With a goal and two assists, Balcers was instrumental in Latvia's victory.
• Oscar Fisker Mølgaard (Denmark): A key player for Denmark, Mølgaard scored the tying goal and added an assist.

Goalie Performances:

• Gustavs Dāvis Grigals (Latvia): Faced 31 shots and made 28 saves, finishing with a 90.32% save percentage.
• Mads Søgaard (Denmark): Allowed 5 goals on 21 shots, finishing with a save percentage of 76.19%.

Latvia’s victory over Denmark provided the perfect ending to their preparation ahead of the crucial Olympic qualification tournament, which will be held at Arena Riga from August 29 to September 1, 2024. Latvia will compete against Slovenia, Ukraine, and France, with only the winner advancing to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

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