Czechs finish Swedes
May 22, 2010
In the first of two semifinal matches at the World Ice Hockey Championship in Germany on Saturday, the Czech Republic edged out Sweden 3-2 to advance to their first final since 2006.
The Czechs, trailing 2-1 with time running out, scored a last-gasp equalizer with just eight seconds left on the clock. Karel Rachunek hammered a slapshot past the Swedish goalie to force the game into overtime.
The 11-time world champions had to play catch-up twice, after finding themselves one goal down in the ninth minute and again midway through the second period.
After a goalless 10-minute overtime, the game went to the shootout, with Jan Marek scoring the winner.
Germany and Russia square off in the other semifinal later on Saturday. The Czechs will face the winner of that game in Sunday's final.
gb/sid/dpa/Reuters
Editor: Martin Kuebler