hckošice

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 6 Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) United States 3 - 0 Italy Period-by-Period: 1-0, 2-0, 0-0 May 10th 2016, h. 16:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne Cruise control Nelson double leads US past Italy With Italy struggling to generate offence, team USA had a comfortable afternoon as it skated to a solid 3-0 victory thanks to two goals from Brock Nelson. Team USA picked up its third straight victory as shot-shy Italy once again struggled to produce the offence needed to hurt an opponent at this level. The shot-count from the ‘Squaddra Azzurra’ told the tale of this game – just two efforts on Jimmy Howard’s goal in the first period and three in the next ensured that the Italians were a long way from scoring the goals that might have sparked a shock result. Those kind of stats put huge pressure on the defence to produce a flawless game – but that did not happen here. The first two American goals – both scored by Brock Nelson – were both of the order that has coaches howling in frustration. First, in the sixth minute, Daniel Glira was far too casual when looking to play the puck from beyond his own goal line. The attempted clearance went straight to Nelson, and the Islanders’ centre needed no second invitation to rifle home a wrister from the face-off spot. Nelson's contribution has not gone unnoticed by team captain Connor Murphy. "He's a skilled guy and he brings a lot to the national team," Murphy said. "It might have been when we were in Prague, and he had some unbelievable plays. He's a natural player and a good team-mate. That's why we've had some success in the tournament, and Brock's been a big part of that." Early in the second Italy had its best spell of the game. Raphael Andergassen was a whisker away from releasing Giulio Scandella for a solo rush, but the pass just evaded his team-mate’s stick and by the time Scandella recovered possession he was force to wire a shot from out wide that was comfortable for Howard. Then came the next defensive lapse. Italy had the power play, but Nelson overpowered Simon Kostner and set Dylan Larkin down the left channel. Nelson continued his advance and was perfectly placed to redirected Larkin’s feed inside Andreas Bernard’s near post. Two goals for Nelson, two for the USA, and yet more frustration for the Italians. Larkin moved on to seven assists for the tournament on that play, enjoying his third World Championship campaign after a frustrating NHL season with the Red Wings - and added that his struggles in Detroit were an added motivation to join up with his country in Cologne. "I had a bitter taste in my mouth from the season just gone and I wanted to come over here," he said. "Every time you get to wear this jersey it's an honour but, more than that, I wanted to finish my season on a positive note. We've got a great group coming over and we want to win medals. It's a mix of personal things, team things, country things and I've got a positive feeling that we can do well in this tourament." Soon afterwards the Americans added a third, continuing Italy’s misery on the penalty kill. Anders Lee got the goal after Johnny Gaudreau’s pass evaded an Italian stick. That was Lee’s third power play goal of the tournament; Italy slipped to eight goals allowed from 13 penalties, by some margin the worst PK figures in the competition. The final stanza was a lifeless affair. With the result beyond doubt, there was no pressure on the Americans to offer anything other than more of the same. Italy took more than 12 minutes to register its first shot of the session and, when it came, it was from beyond the Italian blue line. Howard proved alert to the test, preserving a shut-out that required just nine saves in total. "It's hard to get a sense of where your game is right now when you're playing against a team like Italy," Murphy added. "We definitely got a big confidence boost in our last game when we went against a big team, so now we just want things to roll along while we are meshing and clicking without too many hiccups." Meanwhile, there was little urgency about the USA offence for much of a third period that often felt more like a practice game than a championship encounter. A comfortable American win lifts Jeff Blashill's roster to three wins from four, while Italy is still seeking its first victory of the tournament and lies in last place in the group with a solitary point from its overtime loss to Slovakia.

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 6 Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) United States 3 - 0 Italy Period-by-Period: 1-0, 2-0, 0-0 May 10th 2016, h. 16:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne

Final Results Group A in Cologne United States - Italy 3-0 (1-0, 2-0, 0-0) 05:17 Brock NELSON 1-0 25:53 Brock NELSON 2-0 27:47 Anders LEE 3-0 Group B in Paris Switzerland - Belarus 3-0 (1-0, 1-0, 1-0) 17:54 Reto SCHAPPI 1-0 35:29 Anders AMBUHL 2-0 47:55 Cody ALMOND 3-0

Results after 2nd Period Group A in Cologne United States - Italy 3-0 (1-0, 2-0,-) 05:17 Brock NELSON 1-0 25:53 Brock NELSON 2-0 27:47 Anders LEE 3-0 Group B in Paris Switzerland - Belarus 2-0 (1-0, 1-0,-) 17:54 Reto SCHAPPI 1-0 35:29 Anders AMBUHL 2-0

Results after 1st Period Group A in Cologne United States - Italy 1-0 (1-0,-,-) 05:17 Brock NELSON 1-0 Group B in Paris Switzerland - Belarus 1-0 (1-0,-,-) 17:54 Reto SCHAPPI 1-0

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- POWER RANKING As of May 9th, 2017 Coming off a 6-0 drubbing of Belarus, the Canadians regain top spot in our Power Rankings. Russia slips to second, while perfect Latvia leaps into third place. 1. Canada: MacKinnon's shot is sweeter than an eclair 2. Russia: Can you smell what the Bread Man is baking? 3. Latvia: Dzerins gets free pizza for life 4. France: For once, we’d rather talk hockey than baked goods! 5. United States: Nobody has more respect for Sweden than we do 6. Sweden: 4-3 is not fake news. Sad! 7. Czech Republic: Speaking of 4-3, four-goal comebacks are hella fun 8. Switzerland: Hey, we had a good Praplan 9. Norway: Haugen rules: he’s outscoring Matt Duchene 10. Finland: Lauri, let’s talk about your childhood 11. Germany: LANXESS arena is Anxious arena 12. Denmark: Hans Christian Andersen’s The PK Has No Clothes 13. Slovakia: Honey? Are you still wearing that old “Big Seven” shirt? 14. Italy: Heck, Bertuzzi is only 42... 15. Belarus: Old Belarusian proverb: “Losing 6-0 stinks” 16. Slovenia: We should be kicking ourselves Previous Editions May 5th May 7th *The Power Rankings are for the enjoyment of IIHF.com readers, and reflect the progress of teams during the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. They are distinct from the official standings and IIHF World Ranking.

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 6 Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) United States vs Italy Period-by-Period: May 10th 2016, h. 16:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne Slovakia vs Germany Period-by-Period: May 10th 2016, h. 20:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Switzerland vs Belarus Period-by-Period: May 10th 2016, h. 16:15, AccorHotels Arena, Paris Finland vs Slovenia Period-by-Period: May 10th 2016, h. 20:15, AccorHotels Arena, Paris

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group B Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Switzerland 3 - 4GWS France Period-by-Period: 0-1, 2-0, 1-2, OT: 0-0, GWS: 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 20:15, AccorHotels Arena, Paris HIGHLIGHTS

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Slovakia 3 - 4GWS Denmark Period-by-Period: 0-1, 0-2, 3-0, OT: 0-0, GWS: 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 20:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne HIGHLIGHTS

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group B Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Slovenia 1 - 5 Norway Period-by-Period: 0-3, 1-1, 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 16:15, AccorHotels Arena, Paris HIGHLIGHTS

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Italy 1 - 2 Latvia Period-by-Period: 1-1, 0-0, 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 16:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne HIGHLIGHTS

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disciplinary Panel Hager out for two German forward suspended The IIHF Disciplinary Panel has issued a one game suspension to German forward Patrick Hager. The suspension comes as a result of a slew-footing violation committed during Germany’s game against Russia on 8 May. Hager already received a match penalty on the play and so will miss his country’s next two games. The violation occurred at 13:24 in the 1st period. Russian forward Sergei Mozyakin skated towards the German blue line and released the puck inside the German zone shortly before Hager was approaching. Hager then puts his hand/arm in front of the Mozyakin and then placed his left leg behind his legs. He pushed Mozyakin’s upper body backwards with his arm to take the player down. Mozyakin landed heavily on the ice, hitting his head in the process, and had to be evacuated from the ice with an injury and did not return to the game. Based on all facts ascertained, the Disciplinary Panel determined that Hager delivered what was definitively a slew-foot to his opponent, recklessly taking down the Russian player and risking a serious injury of his opponent. Hager will be eligible to return in Germany’s game against Italy on 13 May.

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group B Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Switzerland 3 - 4GWS France Period-by-Period: 0-1, 2-0, 1-2, OT: 0-0, GWS: 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 20:15, AccorHotels Arena, Paris French thriller! Da Costa scores only goal of shootout France twice rallied, forced overtime, and won in a shootout on a goal by Stephane da Costa. Both goalies made crucial saves to send the game to shots. The win gives France five points in Group B, one behind the Swiss. Both teams have two wins and a loss. Norway also has six points, and all teams trail Canada, with nine. Da Costa had two goals for the winners while Vincent Praplan scored twice for the Swiss. It was only France's fifth win all time against the Swiss in 15 meetings, and it was accomplished before an incredible crowd of 6,747 that chanted and cheered all night long. "It feels great," enthused Johann Auvitu. "It’s a big two points for us. It’s very special to win against Switzerland. It’s kind of our derby, you know? We have a lot of guys playing in Switzerland, so I’m happy for them. We’ve got a positive spiral, and we’ve got to keep going on that one. We’ve got to focus on the next game already." "At the end, if you score but lose, it doesn’t really matter," Praplan offered. "Sure, it feels good to score, but if you lose, it’s tough. We’ll look forward to tomorrow and hope to get three points." Players picked up on the intensity, and there were more scrums after whisltes around the goalies than usual. We may be only three games into the tournament, but the French clearly have something special going on, both with their fans and with their performance. The game went to OT only because of a great pad save by Cristobal Huet in the final minute, and the game went to a shootout only because Leonardo Genoni made a great save on a clear chance in front by Kevin Hecquefeuille in the OT. Despite being badly outplayed and outchanced, France came out of the first period with the only goal. And it came short-handed, to boot. It started with a stick manufacturer’s nightmare. Romain Loeffel was in the middle of the ice, the only man at the point, when he took a shot on goal. His stick broke, though, and Auvitu picked up the puck and went up ice on a two-on-one. Auvitu opted to shoot, and Leonardo Genoni made the save. But the puck immediately hit Loeffel’s skate and rolled into the goal at 2:53. "I saw the opportunity," Auvitu recounted. "Their D-man broke his stick and I just jumped up. To be honest with you, it’s a lucky goal, but I’ll take it. I’m happy for the future of the tournament." The Swiss generated several chances throughout the period but had poor finish and were stymied by Huet. Pius Suter made a great deflection, but the puck rolled just wide. Thomas Rufenacht had a great chance, but Huet snapped out the glove for a fine save. Cldy Almond had a semi-breakaway but couldn’t get off a good shot. The Swiss carried their fine play into the second period and were rewarded early with two quick goals from Vincent Praplan. On the first, at 1:22, Huet looked behind the net one way as Denis Hollenstein passed it in front the other way. Praplan, wide open, fired into the net to tie the game. The next shift for the pair saw a similar play but in front of the goal. Again a nice Hollenstein feed behind the play gave Praplan an open net, and at 3:48 the Swiss had a lead. France tied things up early in the third with the extra man. Stephane da Costa stepped in to the top of the faceoff cirle and snapped ashot to the far side of Genoni at 3:02 making it 2-2 and leaving the game's result open once again. Andres Ambuhl put the Swiss up again at 13:14 off a turnover in centre ice. He went in alone and wired a shot over the glove of Huet. France was not going to call it quits, though. Nicolas Ritz hit the post with a shot, and then at 15:41 they tied it again off a faceoff. Laurent Meunier won the draw back to Anthony Rech, and while everyone thought Rech would drop the puck to his defenceman, he turned and fired, catching Genoni by surprise and hitting the short side. The Swiss play Belarus tomorrow while France has a day off to prepare for a massive tilt against Canada on Thursday night beofre what is expected to be a large crowd at AccorHotels Arena. "It’s going to take the same cocktail as we used against Finland," Auvitu suggested. "We were intense. We were not scared. We didn’t respect them just because it’s a big nation. It’s a special game against Canada. It’s never the same as against the others. But we’re ready. We’re happy we’re at home, and we have the crowd with us. We’re going to have to use that advantage."

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group B Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Switzerland 3 - 4GWS France Period-by-Period: 0-1, 2-0, 1-2, OT: 0-0, GWS: 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 20:15, AccorHotels Arena, Paris Group B Provisional Standing After Day 5 Nation P W(OTW) L(OTL) GF GA +/- Pt. Canada 3 3(0) 0(0) 17 3 +14 9 Switzerland 3 2(1) 1(1) 11 8 +3 6 Norway 3 2(0) 1(0) 8 6 +2 6 France 3 2(1) 1(0) 11 7 +4 5 Czech Republic 3 2(1) 1(0) 11 8 +3 5 Finland 3 1(0) 2(1) 7 11 -4 4 Slovenia 3 0(0) 3(1) 7 17 -10 1 Belarus 3 0(0) 3(0) 3 15 -12 0

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Slovakia 3 - 4GWS Denmark Period-by-Period: 0-1, 0-2, 3-0, OT: 0-0, GWS: 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 20:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne Green SO goal saves the day Slovakia comeback falls just short Denmark took at 3-0 lead into the final twenty minutes but Slovakia fought back to bring the game to overtime. Morten Green's shootout goal lifts Denmark. Over the first two periods, Denmark established a three goal lead but things took a turn in the final frame and became a thrilling affair at LANXESS Arena. Three third period goals brought the Slovaks back to a tie game and send it to overtime then a shootout. "It's a little disappointing that we gave away a 3-0 lead there, the worst thing for us was giving up an easy goal in the third period and letting them back." Juliam Jakobsen said. "But we've got two points, we're in this tournament now and we can go on from there." To start, Slovakia did not help themselves with three minor penalties in the first period. Juraj Mikus was called for two of them. First, Mikus was called for holding when he took down Frederik Storm who was breaking towards the net. A minute after being released from the sin bin, Mikus was again called for holding but the Slovakia shorthanded units held their ground. A third penalty was called, this time on Libor Hudacek at 15:01 for slashing. Denmark made them pay. Nichlas Hardt received a pass from Storm then scored with a shot that went high over Julius Hudacek’s glove hand shoulder with 3:40 remaining in the first period. It was Hardt’s second goal of the tournament. Morten Green also got an assist. Denmark extended their lead to 2-0 at 4:46 of the second period when Mathias Bau sent a precision pass to Patrick Russell who was striding towards the net for the tap in. For Russell, who signed with the Edmonton Oilers prior to coming here, it was his first ever senior men’s goal. As time wound down in the middle frame, Denmark added a third goal. They came out of their zone with a two-on-one. Oliver Lauridsen found Morten Poulsen on the far left side. He sent a pass that just eluded the Slovak defender and Poulsen redirected it home. The goal came with 2.4 remaining in the second period. Oliver Lauridsen picked up assists on both goals, giving him two points in the game and doubling his previous tournament offensive numbers. In 29 World Championship games coming into tonight Lauridsen had a lone assist. Slovakia looked far from sharp. Going back to their opening game, they have lacked the finish and polish of team’s they’ve iced in the past. There was little in the way of sustained offensive pressure to put the Danes back on their heels. But by the third period, Slovakia was a different team in finding their scoring touch and playing their best hockey of the tournament. Slovakia got on the board very early in the third when Martin Gernat send a slap shot that goaltender Sebastien Dahm was unable to stop at 1:22. Three minutes later, Mattias Lassen was called for delaying the game. Slovakia moved the puck well and with :25 second remaining on the penalty they scored again. Vladimir Dravecky sent a backhand pass to Marcel Hascak between the faceoff circles and Mario Bliznak was there to capitalize. Libor Hudacek almost tied the contest when a Gernat pass went between Danish defenseman Matias Lassen’s skates to Hudacek, who could not lift the puck over a sprawled out Dahm. But when Denmark’s Nicholas Jensen was called for a high sticking double minor, Michel Miklik drew the game even 3-3 at 11:53. "We had some adversity in the third period." Dahm said. "Slovakia came with a lot of mementum at then end of the game." As the clock was ticking down in the final minutes, Denmark thought they regained the lead when Mikus misplayed a puck at the point and it eluded him into the neutral zone. Julian Jakobsen took possession of the puck and was in on a partial breakaway. His initial shot was stopped but he took another whack at it from the crease as a Slovak defenseman was falling into goaltender Julius Hudacek. The puck crossed the line as the net was dislodged. After a video review, it was ruled that the goal was off the moorings before the puck crossed the line and ruled no goal. In overtime, Slovakia had some chances and Denmark a power play in the final :27 seconds but neither team scored to send the game to a shootout. In the shootout, Morten Green scored the only goal that would give Denmark its first win of the 2017 World Championships. "We kept believing in our chances going into overtime and the old guy stepped up and put the team on his back." Dahm said of the 36-year-old Green and his shootout heroics. For Denmark, it was their first win over Slovakia in seven years. Denmark last tasted victory at the 2010 World Championships, also in Germany when they won 6-0. "I think we came together more as a team and we were ready to battle all the way through the game even though they got three pretty easy goals in the third I think we knuckled down and pulled it through." Jakobsen said of the effort.

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Slovakia 3 - 4GWS Denmark Period-by-Period: 0-1, 0-2, 3-0, OT: 0-0, GWS: 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 20:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne Group A Provisional Standing After Day 5 Nation P W(OTW) L(OTL) GF GA +/- Pt. Latvia 3 3(0) 0(0) 8 2 +6 9 Russia 3 3(1) 0(0) 18 5 +13 8 United States 3 2(0) 1(0) 12 7 +5 6 Sweden 3 1(0) 2(1) 11 8 +3 4 Slovakia 3 1(1) 2(1) 7 9 -2 3 Germany 3 1(0) 2(0) 7 14 -7 3 Denmark 3 1(1) 2(0) 6 13 -7 2 Italy 3 0(0) 3(1) 4 15 -11 1

btw anyone saw the video of the legendary czech commentator Robert Zaruba during yesterdays match after CZE equalized the score with Finland he literally broke the technique and it resulted in a huge silence next 2 minutes until he fixed it

Final Results Group A in Cologne Slovakia - Denmark 3-4 After GWS (0-1, 0-2, 3-0, OT: 0-0, GWS: 0-1) 16:20 Nichlas HARDT 0-1 24:46 Patrick RUSSELL 0-2 39:58 Morten POULSEN 0-3 41:22 Martin GERNÁT 1-3 46:05 Mário BLIŽŇÁK 2-3 51:53 Michel MIKLÍK 3-3 Winning Shootout scored by Morten GREEN 3-4 GWS Group B in Paris Switzerland - France 3-4 After GWS (0-1, 2-0, 1-2, OT. 0-0, GWS: 0-1) 02:53 Yohann AUVITU 0-1 21:22 Vincent PRAPLAN 1-1 23:48 Vincent PRAPLAN 2-1 43:02 Stephane DA COSTA 2-2 53:14 Andres AMBUHL 3-2 55:41 Anthony RECH 3-3 Winning Shootout scored by Stephane DA COSTA 3-4 GWS

After 22 consecutive years among the elite we will be certainly relegated. this is so sad I can not believe what a mess did happen during last 1-2 years in our hockey, I understand the guys from NHL and some other big names from KHL and european leagues that they are angry about the situation in our federation and have enough of it all, but c´mon. Boycotting the National team is no a solution without them we can not have and send a competitive team to any tournament, and the world championships even more..this is not about them this is about the country, about the name of the country, about the prestige and reputation of our hockey! . now probably we will be relegated, a total shame for our hockey, traditions, big names of the past, all legends that played in our colors..I´m really so frustrated about that. maybe not about the result and the play but especially about this whole mess

Results after 2nd Period Group A in Cologne Slovakia - Denmark 0-3 (0-1, 0-2,-) 16:20 Nichlas HARDT 0-1 24:46 Patrick RUSSELL 0-2 39:58 Morten POULSEN 0-3 Group B in Paris Switzerland - France 2-1 (0-1, 2-0,-) 02:53 Yohann AUVITU 0-1 21:22 Vincent PRAPLAN 1-1 23:48 Vincent PRAPLAN 2-1

Results after 1st Period Group A in Cologne Slovakia - Denmark 0-1 (0-1,-,-) 16:20 Nichlas HARDT 0-1 Group B in Paris Switzerland - France 0-1 (0-1,-,-) 02:53 Yohann AUVITU 0-1

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group B Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Slovenia 1 - 5 Norway Period-by-Period: 0-3, 1-1, 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 16:15, AccorHotels Arena, Paris Norway grabs second victory Thoresen line leads charge, Slovenia winless The Norwegians scored three unanswered goals in the first period and never looked back in a 5-1 win over Slovenia on Tuesday in Paris. Ken Andre Olimb and Patrick Thoresen notched a goal and two assists apiece for Norway, and linemate Mathis Olimb had a goal and an assist. Kristian Forsberg and Aleksander Reichenberg added singles. Robert Sabolic replied for Slovenia. Goalie Lars Haugen backstopped Norway to its second win with 15 saves. Norway, which edged host France 3-2 in its opener, rebounded nicely after a 3-0 loss to Switzerland, playing a smart, opportunistic game. "Our first game against France was our best game," said Norwegian captain Jonas Holos. "The Switzerland game wasn't so good, but we were up 3-0 today and that made it easier to play. You get energy by scoring. " The newly promoted Slovenes are not helping their chances of staying in the top division. They’ve collected just one point from a 5-4 shootout loss to Switzerland. "We didn't play as a team," said Slovenian captain Jan Mursak. "We didn't skate. We were sloppy. We weren't ready. We have to battle for every puck, and then good things will happen. We haven't played a game like that yet." Norway’s top line opened the scoring at 5:57. Ken Andre Olimb got the puck behind the net to Patrick Thoresen, and he sent a Gretzky-like pass to Mathis Olimb, who slid it between Slovenian starter Matija Pintaric’s legs. The Olimb party continued at 14:35, as Thoresen acquired the puck on the forecheck and slid it past Slovenian defenders to Ken Andre Olimb, who, unmolested, roofed it home. The Norwegians made it 3-0 at 18:20. Forsberg grabbed a loose puck in the high slot and winged it past Pintaric’s blocker. "That's the third time in a row we've had a bad start," said Mursak. To start the second period, Slovenia made a goaltending change, inserting Gasper Kroselj in place of Pintaric. But it had little effect. Haugen held down the fort when the Slovenes pressed during a mid-period power play. With the man advantage, Reichenberg put Norway up 4-0 with 1:02 left in the middle frame on a nifty rush. He cut in off right wing with little resistance from the Slovenes and tucked the puck home. At 19:15, Sabolic spoiled Haugen’s shutout hopes with a slapper from the right faceoff circle. But that was as close as Slovenia would get. A library-like atmosphere prevailed for most of the third period, although the Norwegian fans got to cheer one more time when Thoresen added some insurance with 43 seconds remaining. "I think for all of us, this was the game everyone was most nervous about coming in," said Norway's Andreas Martinsen. "It may be the only game of the tournament that we're expected to win. And we have to win, if we expect to stay up. It was big for us, and now we can breathe a little bit." The Slovenes must try to make more noise against favored Finland on Wednesday. Norway's next opponent is the Czech Republic on Thursday. Slovenian forward Ziga Jeglic missed his second game due to a suspension for a kicking infraction. He is eligible to return for the game versus Finland.

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group B Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Slovenia 1 - 5 Norway Period-by-Period: 0-3, 1-1, 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 16:15, AccorHotels Arena, Paris

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Italy 1 - 2 Latvia Period-by-Period: 1-1, 0-0, 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 16:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne Dzerins at the double Italy suffers late pain again Andris Dzerins grabbed the game-winner with just 79 seconds to maintain Latvia's perfect start and put the Baltic nation out in front in Group A. Latvia moved to the top of the Group A table with a hard-fought victory over Italy. A late goal from Andris Dzerins with just 79 seconds left improved the Baltic state to three wins from three and, with the only perfect record in Cologne, it enjoys a one-point advantage over Russia. For Italy, stung by Slovakia’s last-gasp tying goal in its opening fixture, this was another heartbreaking moment. Stephan Mair’s roster has battled bravely in this group and arguably deserves more than a solitary point and a thrashing at the hands of a rampant Russia for its efforts thus far. But, after a game that never really caught light, Dzerins blasted home his second of the night – a one-timer from the top of the left-hand circle off a Roberts Bukarts feed – to secure a 2-1 verdict and take Latvia to the Group A summit. Italy pulled its goalie, and even forced a power play with five seconds remaining, but could find no way back. Latvia may have flown to the summit of the fledgling tournament rankings, but goal hero Dzerins is refusing to get too carried away. "It's only three games," the 29-year-old said when asked about Latvia's hopes of improving on its previous best World Championship showings. "There are bigger tests to come. "We've got Sweden next, and we know our coach will be making another good game plan. It's up to us to be prepared for them." Dzerins, currently playing his hockey with Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic, is now on three goals in this World Championship. On his previous visits to the tournament he managed just two. "In those first years I was maybe a bit nervous," he said. "Plus as a younger player I wasn't always asked to play as big of a role. But it's hard to put in perspective right now, when the goals are coming for me." Latvia, looking for its third straight win, came into the game as a strong favourite against an Italian roster still smarting from giving up 10 goals against Russia last time out. But the early stages didn’t follow the form books, with Italy snatching an early lead. It all started when Kristaps Sotnieks saw his attempted clearance swatted down by Tommaso Traversa. Marco Insam picked up the loose puck, going through to score with a wrist shot that lifted over the sliding Arturs Kulda and into the top corner of the net. Latvia’s pledge to bring attacking hockey to this championship was in danger of stalling here: the Baltic team struggled to generate much offence in the opening exchanges and needed a power play to get back on level terms. The tying goal came from Dzerins in the 13th minute after he got the touch on a Guntis Galvins slap shot. For the Italians, tortured by the Russian power play last time out, it was a sharp reminder to stay out of the bin. To its credit, Mair’s team managed that. There were no further penalties for the team in blue in this game, and the Italian defence showed great resolve to put its horror show against Russia behind it in a hard-fought battle. "We kept the game close and played a good game," said Italy's Luca Frigo. "But we have to stay focused for the full 60 minutes, not 58 or 59. We'll see what we can do in the next games." The middle session was also short on scoring opportunities. Italy had more shots, without seriously testing Elvis Merzlikins in the Latvian net. At the other end, a rush from Miks Indrasis late in the stanza threatened to open up the Italian defence until Thomas Larkin’s poke check alleviated the danger. Several fans opted to launch a conga-line around the arena as the on-ice action stubbornly refused to spring to life. The third period also suffered from a shortage of goalmouth action. An early power play chance for the Italians came to nothing; Latvia, for the first time in the game, got ahead on the shot clock. But both defences stubbornly denied any clear-cut chances until Dzerins’ late effort secured the outcome for Latvia.

MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Round DAY 5 Group A Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) Italy 1 - 2 Latvia Period-by-Period: 1-1, 0-0, 0-1 May 9th 2016, h. 16:15, LANXESS Arena, Cologne