Swiss stun the Czechs
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
ByEurosport
Published 16/02/2006 at 14:22 GMT
Mark Streit's third period power play goal proved the difference as Switzerland stunned the Czech Republic 3-2 in the upset of the Olympics Thursday. The reigning world champions outshot the Swiss 42-19 as Colorado Avalanche goalie David Aebischer kept hi
ICE HOCKEY 2006 Torino 2006 Czech Republic-Switzerland Ziegler
Image credit: Reuters
After losing 5-0 the day before against Finland, the Swiss could be expected to be pleased enough to finish the first period up 1-0 after a goal by Thomas Ziegler.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2006/02/16/253145-24552903-2560-1440.jpg)
ICE HOCKEY 2006 Torino 2006 Czech Republic-Switzerland Ziegler Vokoun
Image credit: Reuters
In a scenario similar to the day before, when the Czechs rallied from a goal down to easily beat Germany, the NHL's top scorer Jaromir Jagr evened the score early in the second period.
But the Czechs showed lapses in concentration and when Thierry Paterlini stole the puck on the shorthanded team and streaked down to the other end to beat Tomas Vokun, the Swiss had a 2-1 lead and the game followed a different script.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2006/02/16/253143-24552917-2560-1440.jpg)
ICE HOCKEY 2006 Torino 2006 Czech Republic-Switzerland Paterlini
Image credit: Reuters
"I don't really know what happened," he said after bouncing through five Czechs to find himself in front for the goal. "I took the hit and then was alone. They just kind of bounced off of me."
STELLAR AEBISCHER
That's when the heroics began.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2006/02/16/253175-24552725-2560-1440.jpg)
ICE HOCKEY 2006 Torino 2006 Czech Republic-Switzerland Cajanek Aebischer
Image credit: Reuters
Aebischer made save after save, stopping 21 shots in the second period.
He single-handedly kept the Czechs off the scoreboard the remainder of the period.
"I think we can be proud of the performance today," Aebischer told Eurosport. "We worked really hard, we were patient and we scored at the right time.
"It's great to beat (Czech) but we mustn't lose focus in the important games against Germany and Italy."
SWISS HOCKEY ON THE MAP
Marek Zidlicky scored with one minute gone in the third to level the game before Mark Streit converted an expertly-executed power play goal by the Swiss. His slap shot from the top of the faceoff circle would prove the winner.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2006/02/16/253174-24552751-2560-1440.jpg)
ICE HOCKEY 2006 Torino 2006 Czech Republic-Switzerland Streit Seger
Image credit: Reuters
"After yesterday's game againt Finalnd everybody was motivated to make a reaction," Montreal Canadians defenseman and Swiss captain Streit told Eurosport.
"I hope the people are happy back home, I hope we put Swiss hockey on the map," he added.
To be fair, Nashville Predators goalie Vokoun played well, making several key saves.
But the Czechs were without national icon Dominik Hasek, who left the win against Germany nursing a hamstring injury.
Czech team officials were silent on Hasek's status, but he is believed to be day-to-day. The 41-year-old Ottawa Senators goalie has one day to recover now as the team regroups before their crucial clash against Finland.
OTHER REACTIONS
Swiss coach Ralph Kreuger:"This was a great reaction to yesterday's game for us. We were able to get a better start than the Czechs. They never really got their 'A' game going."
Czech forward Martin Rucinsky:"They deserved to win. We underestimated them. Bottom line, we didn't play well. When you lose a game like this it can wake you up. Maybe that's the positive we have to take from this."
Slovakia go clear in Group B
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement