World Cup of Hockey Day 2: Sweden Hangs On, Young Guns Dominate
The second day of the World Cup of Hockey saw one incredibly dominant performance and one escape.
In the first game of the day, Sweden held on to beat Russia in controversial fashion. Alex Ovechkin had what would have been the game-tying goal disallowed with seven seconds left in regulation and Sweden earned a 2-1 victory. Sweden won with Jakob Markstrom in goal; Henrik Lundqvist was out sick.
Niklas Hjalmarsson skated 18:34 and blocked three shots in the victory. Marcus Kruger returned to action and skated 11:55.
For Russia, Artemi Panarin was held off the scoreboard in 15:48 on the ice.
Later on Sunday, North America put on a show at the expense of Finland. Ville Pokka skated 13:32 and was minus-one for Finland in a 4-1 loss. The score could have been a lot worse but Pekka Rinne played a pretty good game against a scary fast North America squad.
On Monday, Team Europe faces the Czech Republic in the afternoon before Russia battles the exciting North America team in the nightcap. Both games will be on ESPN2 in the United States.
Why were going to the smaller sized/better skaters roster wise. Scary fast.
Also of note, Pokka saved what would have been a sure 5th goal for North America, millimeters from crossing the blue line. I don’t have a link, but it should be an easy highlight to find.
Pokka saves
https://www.wch2016.com/video/situation-room-nat–fin/t-281230378/c-44734203
Hawks and Panarin are talking.