Cervenka grabs Czech game-winner
Roman Cervenka potted the Czech Republic’s game-winner over Slovenia. His team had to come from 0-2 to record a 6-2 verdict. That fightback was warmly welcomed by Kazakhstan, which remains two points clear of the as yet winless Slovenians.
Slovenia got up 2-0 in the first period and held that lead until late in the second. However, a power play goal in the 39th minute put the Czechs on the board and the third frame was one-way traffic. Dominik Kubalik potted a hat-trick, Roman Cervenka grabbed the go-ahead goal on 45 minutes, and there were further tallies from Michal Kempny and Jakub Flek.
In the evening game in Riga, Switzerland continued its winning start with a 4-2 verdict over Slovakia. The Swiss opened a 2-0 lead, but the Slovaks hit back to tie it up on goals from Andrej Kudrna and Pavol Regenda. Those were the first goals Switzerland had allowed in the tournament, but they could not bring any reward for Slovakia. Christian Marti restored the lead in the third and an empty-net goal wrapped up the win.
In Tampere, Sweden overwhelmed Hungary. The 7-1 victory was impressive, not least because the Tre Kronor denied the Magyars a shot on goal after the first period. Former KHLers Oscar Lindberg and Dennis Everberg were among the Swedish scorers.
The evening game brought a first victory for Germany, taking down Denmark 6-4 in a frantic finish. There were five goals in the last five minutes before the Germans got it over the line.
Main photo: Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Sport / GettyImages.ru
