Canada's RYAN GETLZAFF (51) celebrates his goal from his knees while COREY PERRY (24) and BRENDEN MORROW (10) elate in the semifinals of the 2010 Winter Olympics at Vancouver. Getzlaff's goal ultimately proved to be the game-winner. Meanwhile, star forward MARIAN HOSSA (81) skates away for Slovakia. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

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Both CANADA and SLOVAKIA had each lost to their neighbors and rival, the United States and the Czech Republic, respectively, in the round-robin at the Vancouver Games and yet recovered to reach the semifinals opposite one another at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The very first time the two nations ever met, at the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway, the Slovaks actually upset Canada 3-1 in the round-robin on their debut at a major international tournament; that was before the National Hockey League would shut down to so as to let it’s players participate at the Olympics, however. 

Canada obviously had answered some sort of wake-up call after their loss to the Americans. The Canucks proceeded to pound Germany 8-2 then dust Russia 7-3 on their way to the semifinals at Canada Hockey Place. For the first forty or so minutes against Slovakia, Canada continued to be in complete command and on course to fulfill their mission in Vancouver.

Canada struck for two goals in the opening period. Thirteen and a half minutes in, after fine work from San Jose Sharks star DANY HEATLEY, his NHL teammate, PATRICK MARLEAU, tipped the right point shot from Nashville Predators defenseman SHEA WEBER down and past Slovak goaltender JAROSLAV HALAK of the Montreal Canadiens. Halak protested a high stick from Marleau but the goal survived scrutiny. Less than two minutes later, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman CHRIS PRONGER’s wrist shot from the left point was deflected by Dallas Stars forward BRENDEN MORROW past Halak for the 2-0 lead.

Canada controlled play for the first two periods as the Slovaks were content to conservatively absorb pressure and play for the counterattack; the Canadians counted a 21-9 lead in shots-on-goal for the first forty minutes.

Late in the second period, Canada would extend the score to 3-0 on the power play with just over three minutes to go in the second period. Anaheim Ducks forward COREY PERRY let go a wrist shot from the top of the left circle which was halted by Halak, but Perry’s teammate RYAN GETZLAFF, while falling to his knees, backhanded the puck top shelf for what would prove to be a critical goal. Slovak captain and defenseman ZDENO CHARA of the Boston Bruins had been left with both Getzlaff as well as Morrow to contend with in front.

While Canada were appearing in the semifinals for the third time in four Olympic tournaments, the Slovaks, meanwhile, had never progressed this far at the Winter Olympics before. In the final twenty minutes, the Slovaks clearly attempted to make the most of their chance.

A little past the halfway point of the third period, Edmonton Oilers defenseman LUBOMIR VISNOVSKY, on his 76th career appearance at a major international tournament for Slovakia, made an outstanding play to keep the puck in the zone at the Canadian blueline. Visnovsky immediately thereafter rounded Getzlaff and raced down the right wing. The 33-year-old rearguard centered the puck upon reaching the goal line and put Slovakia on the board when the black disc was deflected behind ROBERTO LUONGO of the Vancouver Canucks into Canada’s goal. 

With just under five minutes remaining in the match, Slovakia drew to within one of the host nation. Veteran NHLer RICHARD ZEDNIK of Russian club Torpedo Yaroslavl, after fine work with the puck on the cycle behind the Canadian goal, circled out front for a backhand attempt at Luongo, who made the save. Standing in front, however, was MICHAL HANDZUS of the Los Angeles Kings, who tapped the puck out of mid-air past Luongo into the top-shelf.

A tense finish followed as the Slovaks, who outshot Canada 12-7 in the final period, continued to press their attack.  

With Halak on the bench for an extra skater as well as dogged forechecking, Slovakia spent the entire final minute on the offensive in Canada’s zone. Chicago Black Hawks star MARIAN HOSSA’s wrist shot from the top of the right circle, after working its way through traffic in front, found itself on the stick of PAVEL DEMITRA of the host city Vancouver Canucks at the right side of the net. With Luongo out of position and the net looming large, however, Demitra missed the mark with Slovakia’s last opportunity.

Breathing a collective sigh of relief, Canada advanced to the Gold Medal Match for the second time in three Olympic tournaments.  

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CANADA 3 – SLOVAKIA 2

Shots-on-goal :  Canada 28 – Slovakia 21

CAN goals :  Marleau, Morrow, Getzlaff

SVK goals :  Visnovsky, Handzus

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Slovakia forward TOMAS KOPECKY (82) of the Chicago Black Hawks hammers Canada defenseman CHRIS PRONGER (20) against the boards in the semifinals at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Kopecky scored the game-winning-goal for Slovakia, his first-ever for his country at a major international event, against Sweden in the quarterfinals. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

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Slovakia defenseman MILAN JURCINA (68) of the Columbus Blue Jackets cross-checks Canada's SIDNEY CROSBY (87) of the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penquins during the Olympic semifinals at Canada Hockey Place. (Julie Jacobson/AP)

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Canada's JAROME IGINLA (12) fishes for the puck in the skates of Slovakia's MARTIN CIBAK (8) as Canada's SHEA WEBER (6) wipes out at the boards in Vancouver. (Matt Slocum/AP)

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Slovakia's MARTIN CIBAK (8) of Russian club Spartak Moscow checks Canada's game-winning-goal scorer RYAN GETLZAFF (51) against the boards in the Olympic semifinals from Vancouver. Cibak played 154 NHL games in four seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization before signing to play in Sweden to start the 2006-07 schedule. The 29-year-old center joined Spartak this season from Swedish club SK Sodertalje. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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Slovakia defenseman ANDREJ MESZAROS (14) of the Tampa Bay Lightning mashes Canada forward DANY HEATLEY (15) of the San Jose Sharks into the plexiglass at Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver. Heatley came into the semifinal match second on Canada with four goals after five games at the 2010 Winter Olympics. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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As the ice shavings fly, the Slovak defenseman Jurcina and Canadian forward Heatly converge in a jarring collision along the boards at the Olympic semifinals in Vancouver. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The Slovak defender Jurcina (68) and the Canadian attacker Heatley (15) cross swords, er, ah, sticks along the boards at Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Slovakia forward TOMAS KOPECKY (82) absorbs an elbow to the back of the neck from Canada forward BRENDEN MORROW (10) at the advertising-free, muraled boards in the Olympic semifinals from Vancouver. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The Canadian Dallas Star Morrow (10) makes sure the Slovakian Chicago Black Hawk Kopecky (82) is contained in the Olympic semifinals at the Vancouver Games. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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The Slovak forward Kopecky catches a stick in the mid-section from Canada defenseman SHEA WEBER (6) in pursuit of the puck at the 2010 Winter Olympic semifinal match in Vancouver. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

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The Canadian defenseman Weber dumps the Slovakian forward BRANKO RADIVOJEVIC (92) of Russian club Spartak Moscow in the Olympic semifinals at the Vancouver Games. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Canada's PATRICK MARLEAU (11) deflects the puck down and through the five-hole of Slovakia goaltender JAROSLAV HALAK to give Canada a 1-0 lead thirteen and a half minutes into the Olympic semifinal in Vancouver. LUBOMIR VISNOVSKY (17) defends in vain for the Slovaks. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

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Slovakia defenseman MARTIN STRBAK (77) follows the black disc through the legs of the goaltender Halak (41) and into the back of the net for the first goal of the game in the Olympic semifinal opposite Canada at Canada Hockey Place. Halak, himself, has his head turned and knows he has been beaten, as well. (Getty Images photo)

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PATRICK MARLEAU (15), at the back of the pack, and the rest of the goal-makers greet Canada's bench after breaking the ice at the 2010 Winter Olympic semifinal match versus Slovakia in Vancouver. DANY HEATLEY (15) had done yeoman work along the boards in the offensive zone; SHEA WEBER (6), leading the procession, generated the point shot for Marleau to deflect. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

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Canada forward BRENDEN MORROW (10), with one hand on his hockey stick, is already preparing to celebrate his puck passing the right pad of Slovakia goaltender JAROSLAV HALAK (41) just inside the goalpost for a 2-0 Canadian lead in the Olympic semifinals at Canada Hockey Place. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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The full emotion of the moment manifests itself as Morrow marks his second goal of the 2010 Vancouver Games after deflecting the defenseman Pronger’s wrist shot from the point past Halak of Slovakia. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) 

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Morrow pumps his fist and has a shout for Canada as the Montreal Canadiens goaltender Halak (41) and Edmonton Oilers defenseman LUBOMIR VISNOVSKY (17) have discussions for Slovakia after falling behind 2-0 in the Olympic semifinal at Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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23-year-old Canadian center SIDNEY CROSBY (87) of the NHL champion Pittsburgh Penquins eyes the puck in the midst of the hook from Slovakia’s veteran NHL pivot, 37-year-old JOZEF STUMPEL (15) of Kazakh club Barys Astana, in the semifinals at the Vancouver Games. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) 

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Canada’s Crosby (87) shields the puck from the pursuit of Slovakia’s Meszaros (14) in the semifinals at the 2010 Winter Games from Vancouver. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Canada's BRENDEN MORROW (10) watches the shot of the not-pictured RYAN GETZLAFF go past the left shoulder of Slovakia goaltender JAROSLAV HALAK with defenseman ZDENO CHARA (33) in front. Getzlaff's late second period goal gave Canada a 3-0 lead in the Olympic semifinal at the Vancouver Games. (Julie Jacobson/AP)

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The Slovakian goaltender Halak (41) turns his head in time to see the puck cross the plane of the goal as Chara (33) can only watch. Canada's Morrow (10) is already in the midst of raising his stick for celebrations. (Matt Slocum/AP)

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The puck to the right rebounds off the net on its way down to the ice surface at Canada Hockey Place in the semifinals at the 2010 Vancouver Games. (Matt Slocum/AP)

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RYAN GETZLAFF (51), on his knees, raises his stick to signify his backhand shot which has beaten Halak. Getzlaff’s goal, his third of the Olympic tournament, will ultimately provide Canada its passage to the Gold Medal Game at the Winter Games in Vancouver. (Harry How/Getty Images).

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Slovakia were not prepared to go down without a fight in the semifinals at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Here, Slovakian forward RICHARD ZEDNIK (20) hits the deck due to the defending of Canadian rearguard DREW DOUGHTY of the Los Angeles Kings. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Slovakia forward TOMAS KOPECKY (82) of the Chicago Black Hawks is cross-checked by Canada defenseman CHRIS PRONGER (20) of the Philadelphia Flyers in front of the net at the Winter Games semifinal in Vancouver. Looking around for the puck is Canadian netminder ROBERTO LUONGO of the Olympic host city’s Vancouver Canucks. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The Slovak Kopecky cuts off the Canadian defenseman Doughty at the muraled pass in the chase for the puck at the 2010 Vancouver Games from Canada Hockey Place. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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Slovakia forward ZIGMUND PALFFY (24) of HK 36 Skalica, the top point scorer at the 1994 Winter Olympics at Lillehammer, arrives to celebrate the late third period goal of Slovakia defenseman LUBOMIR VISONOVSKY (17) in the semifinals at the 2010 Winter Games from Vancouver. Also on hand to mark Visnovsky's now-even dozen goals for the Slovaks at major international events are JOZEF STUMPEL (15) of Kazakh club Barys Astana, MARTIN STRBAK (77) of Russian club HK MVD Tver and MARCEL HOSSA (91) of Latvian club Dynamo Riga. (Julie Jacobson/AP)

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Slovakia’s RICHARD ZEDNIK (20) circles out from behind the net as Canada goaltender ROBERTO LUONGO (1) and defenseman DUNCAN KEITH (2) concentrate late in the third period of the Olympic semifinals inVancouver. Zednik is about to backhand a shot which Luongo will stop, but not handle the subsequent rebound of. Slovak forward MICHAL HANDZUS has himself at the ready behind Keith in front of goal. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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Slovakia's MICHAL HANDZUS (26), with his hand high, looks down at the puck he just batted out of mid-air past Canada goaltender ROBERTO LUONGO to trim the deficit to a single goal late in the Olympic semifinal match at Canada Hockey Place. PATRICK MARLEAU (11), DUNCAN KEITH (2) and PATRICE BERGERON (37) are the Canadians who cannot help the seated Luongo. (Julie Jacobson/AP)

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Shortly after narrowing Slovakia’s deficit to one, a hollering Handzus (26) is about to receive adulations from defenseman ZDENO CHARA (33) as well as forwards RICHARD ZEDNIK (20) and MIROSLAV SATAN (18) late in the third period of the 2010 Winter Olympic semifinal from Vancouver. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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Canada goaltender ROBERTO LUONGO (1) of the Olympic host city’s National Hockey League Vancouver Canucks lifts his stick high at the final horn of the Winter Games semifinal match at Canada Hockey Place. The Slovaks sustained a desperate attack in the final minute and squandered one final chance when Luongo’s NHL teammate, PAVOL DEMITRA (38), missed a wide open net. Here, Demitra is just behind Canadian defenseman DREW DOUGHTY (8) of the Los Angeles Kings. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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Teammates with the Pittsburgh Penquins two springs ago, adversaries in the Stanley Cup finals last season — Slovakia’s MARIAN HOSSA (81) and Canada’s SIDNEY CROSBY (87) meet again in the hand-shake line at the conclusion of the semifinals at the 2010 Olympic Games from Vancouver. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

United States forward RYAN MALONE (12) is jubilant just after the third American goal inside the first ten minutes of the semifinal match at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Malone had opened the scoring after an egregious error by Finland netminder MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF just two minutes in. Here, Kiprusoff (34) and Finnish defenseman SAMI SALO look back at the puck in the net at Canada Hockey Place. (Jeff Vinnick/HHOF-IIHF Images)

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Six goals scored in the first thirteen minutes of the match by the UNITED STATES quite literally doomed FINLAND from the start in the semifinals of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games ice hockey tournament at Vancouver.

“Losing like this, it’s tough,” Finnish star forward TEEMU SELANNE of the Anaheim Ducks declared after the match. “It’s something you don’t want to experience. I have no words. It’s just unbelievable.”

The eventual silver medalist United States shot six goals past Finland in the second period fifty-eight years ago on the way to an 8-2 victory at the Oslo Games in 1952, but the Finns were making only their Olympic debut back at that time. The Finnish roster certainly did not boast the number of crack National Hockey League players as it does these days. And, the chance to compete for the Olympic gold medal had not been directly at stake.

What’s more, Finland’s veteran goaltender, MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF, is rightfully considered to be one the best in the NHL, if not the world. Among the honors the 33-year-old has collected in his career include the hallowed Vezina Trophy, which is awarded annually to the league’s best goaltender. And, the Calgary Flames star puckstopper entered the semifinal match for Finland against the United States posting the best save percentage at the Vancouver Games.

Thus, the six-goal outburst certainly produced a great measure of shock at Canada Hockey Place, if not around the globle.   

It was Kiprusoff, who, after having come far out of his goal crease, kicked off the calamity all by himself. With American forward PHIL KESSEL of the Toronto Maple Leafs approaching, the Finland goaltender inadvertantly passed the puck straight to United States forward RYAN MALONE of the Pittsburgh Penquins. The former Saint Cloud State (Minnesota) skater made no mistake with the net left wide open and maximized the gift to give the U.S. a quick lead after just two minutes.  

A couple of early penalties also did the Finns no favors.

Six and a half minutes in, United States forward ZACH PARISE of the New Jersey Devils profited from a fine goalmouth pass from PAUL STASTNY of the Colorado Avalanche while on the power play; Parise, who scored both American goals in the quarterfinal victory over Switzerland, fired the puck past Kiprusoff to double the advantage.  

Just past the eight and a half minute mark, the Americans scored again with the man advantage. St. Louis Blues defenseman ERIK JOHNSON picked up the puck in the right faceoff circle after forward JOE PAVELSKI of the San Jose Sharks had been stopped at the left side of the net and shot past a scrambling Kiprusoff for a 3-0 United States scoreboard read.

Clearly, the normally-reliable Kiprusoff was rattled and beyond repair, as well. The Chicago Black Hawks’ PATRICK KANE delivered the knockout blow at 10:08 of the first period. After starting the play with a wrist shot from the lower left circle, the 21-year-old U.S. forward collected the loose puck in the slot and went to the right for the backhand finish which ended Kiprusoff’s afternoon.

With just three saves from the first seven United States shots, not-so-hot Calgary Flames keeper made the long skate to the Finnish bench almost immediately after Kane scored.

And so, Minnesota Wild goalie NIKLAS BACKSTROM went in front of net for Finland — but the situation still would not settle for coach JUKKA JALONEN’s men.

Still only twelve and a half minutes into the match, Kane confronted Finland’s substitute puck stopper on the rush and promptly wristed a shot from the right circle past Backstrom’s blocker for a staggering 5-0 United States scoreline; for the American forward, the first overall draft choice of the 2007 NHL Draft from the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, it was his third goal of the 2010 Vancouver Games.  

Exactly fifteen seconds later, the American count swelled to six.

Stastny, in the slot, took a sweet pass from United States captain JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER of the New Jersey Devils and popped the puck over the glove of Backstrom into the corner of the net to perpetuate the slaughter.

Technically speaking, there was a little more than 47 minutes of Olympic hockey still to be played at Canada Hockey Place between the United States and Finland in Vancouver, but in all reality, the semifinal result was already wrapped up. 

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UNITED STATES 6 – FINLAND 1

Shots-on-goal :  United States 25 – Finland 25

USA goals :  Kane 2, Malone, Parise, E. Johnson, Stastny

FIN goals :  Miettinen

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United States forward PHIL KESSEL (81) of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates past Finland netminder MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF of the Calgary Flames, who is far from his goalcrease. Kiprusoff has just passed to the puck to the not-pictured Pittsburgh Penquins forward RYAN MALONE, who, of course, plays for Kiprusoff’s opponent, the United States. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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With the goal unguarded, Kiprusoff scrambles to deal with the deplorable situation just two minutes into the Olympic semifinals in Vancouver. Up to this point, Kiprusoff had been solid as a rock in Finland’s net having allowed just four goals while saving 71 of 75 shots (94.67%) in three games before facing the United States. (Harry How/Getty Images)  

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Kiprusoff (34) looks back to see the shot of United States forward RYAN MALONE (12), directly in front of the Finnish netminder, head across Finland’s goal line as the former University of Minnesota star Kessel gazes on at Canada Hockey Place. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) 

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The United States have taken an early 1-0 lead thanks to the tragic play of the Finland goaltender Kiprusoff. The American forward Kessel (81) looks on at the side of net as Malone prepares for a hug in the slot. Meanwhile, on the other side of the goal, Finnish defenseman JANNE NISKALA (21) of Swedish club HC Vastra Frolunda Goteborg can only stare at the puck in the back of Finland’s cage. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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The United States forward Kessel (81) joins JOE PAVELSKI (16) of the San Jose Sharks in saluting Malone (12) for his goal which jolts Finland just two minutes into the Olympic semifinal at the 2010 Winter Games from Vancouver. (Julie Jacobson/AP)

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UNITED STATES forward ZACH PARISE (9) shoots on Finnish goaltender MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF (34) roughly six and a half minutes into the game on the power play. At the side of the net is U.S. forward PAUL STASTNY (26); hooked in the slot by Finnish defenseman SAMI SALO (6) is American attacker JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER (15), the captain of the United States Olympic team in Vancouver. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)===========================================================================

The former University of North Dakota All-America and current New Jersey Devil, Parise, confronts the former Vezina Trophy winner of the Calgary Flames, Kiprusoff. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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Stastny (26), at the side of the net, supervises as the Finnish netminder Kiprusoff tries in vain to stop the shot of Parise (9) with his goalstick. Stastny had created the chance for Parise with an excellent goulmouth pass. (Harry How/Getty Images) 

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Parise's third goal of the Vancouver Games gives the United States an early, albeit surprising, 2-0 lead against Finland in the semifinals at the 2010 Winter Olympics. The goal is Parise's eighth career for the United States at a major international event. (Julie Jacobson/AP)

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United States forward RYAN MALONE (12), in front, watches the shot of defenseman ERIK JOHNSON (6), far left, whip past Finnish goalie MIIKA KIPRUSOFF (34) for a 3-0 American advantage roughly eight and a half minutes into the Winter Olympic semifinals at Canada Hockey Place. (Hans Deryk/Getty Images) 

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Kiprusoff inspects the damage — a third goal conceded just 8:36 into the contest. The Finnish netminder had come into the semifinals against the United States with the top save percentage for goaltenders (with more than one game) at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)  

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One former University of Minnesota player, U.S. forward PHIL KESSEL (81), celebrates the goal of another, the not-picutred St. Louis Blues defenseman ERIK JOHNSON as Finnish defenseman SAMI SALO (6) stands stunned in the goal crease. Malone (12) and Pavelski (16) prepare to revel for the Americans while VALTTERI FILPPULA (51) is left to reflect for Finland. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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The Carolina Hurricanes’ 2005 first round selection (# 3 overall) from the University of Michigan, defenseman JACK JOHNSON (3) of the Los Angeles Kings, congratulates his blueline buddy, the St. Louis Blues’ 2006 first round selection (# 1 overall) from the University of Minnesota, ERIK JOHNSON (6), after the United States opened up a quick 3-0 lead on Finland in the semifinals. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) 

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United States forward PATRICK KANE (88) backhands the black disc behind Finnish goalkeeper MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF for an astounding fourth American goal ten minutes and eight seconds into the Olympic semifinal match at the 2010 Vancouver Games. (Todd Korol/Reuters)

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The puck is behind Kiprusoff in the cage of Finland once again, courtesy the backhand of Chicago Black Hawks star Kane. (Getty Images photo)

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The carnage contines as the Finns are shell shocked at the semifinal stage in Vancouver’s Canada Hockey Place. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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Kane, the number one overall pick by the Black Hawks at the NHL Draft in 2007, fashions a face after giving the United States a 4-0 lead barely past the halfway point of the first period. (Hans Deryk/Reuters)

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New York Rangers forward OLLI JOKINEN (12) looks for a seat as Finland’s starting goaltender, MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF (34), climbs over the boards after the fourth U.S. goal. Kiprusoff skated straight to the bench almost immediately after Kane scored on the backhand. Still with his baseball hat on, back-up goalie NIKLAS BACKSTROM (33) of the Minnesota Wild prepares to enter the fray for Finland. (Reuters photo)

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United States forward PATRICK KANE (88) welcomes Finnish goaltender NIKLAS BACKSTROM (33) to the semifinals of the 2010 Winter Games with a goal, his second of the match as Finland defenseman SAMI LEPISTO (18) of the Phoenix Coyotes looks away in Vancouver. (Shaun Best/Reuters)

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The Black Hawk, Kane, lets out another war cry after scoring his second goal of the game against the newest Finnish netminder, Backstrom, to bring the score to 5-0 for the United States in the semifinals at Canada Hockey Place. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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United States skaters RYAN SUTER (20), DUSTIN BROWN (32) and RYAN KESLER (17) circle around the goal-scorer Kane behind Backstrom and the Finland net in Vancouver. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

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United States forward PETER STASTNY (26) beats Finland goaltender NIKLAS BACKSTROM to the glove side while being hooked by Finnish forward TUOMO RUUTU (15) of the Carolina Hurricanes in the semifinals at the 2010 Winter Olympics from Vancouver. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

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The former University of Denver skater Stastny, who was born in Quebec City, scores his first goal for the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Games. Paul’s father, Peter, competed for Czechoslovakia at the 1980 Games in Lake Placid and at the 1994 Lillehammer Games for the new nation of Slovakia. In between, Peter Stastny, who was a long-time star for the Quebec Nordiques in the National Hockey League, represented Canada at the 1984 Canada Cup. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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PETER STASTNY (26) signals an astonishing 6th goal for the United States with just under 13 minutes played in the first Olympic semifinal at the 2010 Winter Games. Behind Stastny is Finnish defenseman SAMI SALO (6) of the host city's Vancouver Canucks. Stastny's goal was his fifth for the U.S. at a major international tournament. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

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After the six-goal onslaught, all that was left to do for the United States was play sound, defense-first hockey. Here, Finland's all-time leader with 50 goals at major international tournaments, TEEMU SELANNE (8) of the Anaheim Ducks, is checked by his southern California NHL rival of the Los Angeles Kings, American defenseman JACK JOHNSON (3). Selanne was held off the scoresheet by the U.S. and remained goal-less at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. (Matt Slocum/AP)

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The Finnish Flash Selanne (8) is chased by United States defenseman RYAN SUTER (20) of the Nashville Predators as U.S. netminder RYAN MILLER (39) defends against the wrap-around. After taking a 6-0 lead, the United States had no urgent need to press the attack. Finland outshot the Americans 21-12 over the final two periods and finished even with the U.S. in that category for the game. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

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As he has been throughout the tournament, the American goaltender Miller was prepared to deliver saves when called upon against Finland in the semifinals at the Winter Olympics from Vancouver. (Reuters photo)

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Two Ryans, American defenseman Suter (20) and goaltender Miller, both reconnoiter the progress of the puck in mid-air in the Olympic semifinals at Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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United States goaltender RYAN MILLER (39) of the Buffalo Sabres is replaced at 8:29 of the third period by TIM THOMAS (30) of the Boston Bruins with Americans still leading 6-0 in the Olympic semifinals at Canada Hockey Place. Up to this point, Miller has played every minute of every U.S. match at the 2010 Vancouver Games. Thomas, 35, is a veteran of four seasons in the Finnish elite league for the IFK Helsinki, Karpat Oulu and Jokerit Helsinki clubs. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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United States forward RYAN CALLAHAN of the New York Rangers rams Finland forward TUOMO RUUTU (15) of the Carolina Hurricanes right in front of the Finnish bench in the semifinals at the Winter Olympics. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) 

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United States forward DAVID BACKES (42) of the St. Louis Blues introduces Finland defenseman JONI PITKANEN (25) of the Carolina Hurricanes to the plexiglass at Canada Hockey Place in the Olympic semifinals from Vancouver. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

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The Finnish defenseman Pitkanen receives an Olympic-sized stick upside the head from United States forward RYAN MALONE (12) along the boards in Vancouver. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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United States defenseman BRIAN RAFALSKI (28) flips Finnish forward VALTTERI FIPPULA (51) in pursuit of the puck at the Olympic semifinals in Vancouver. Both Filippula and Rafalski skate professionally for the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League. (Matt Slocum/AP)

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United States defenseman ERIK JOHNSON (6) of the St. Louis Blues and Finland forward VALTTERI FILPPULA (51) of the Detroit Red Wings meet face-to-face along the decorative boards in Vancouver. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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United States forward RYAN KESLER (17) of the Olympic host city’s Vancouver Canucks contains Finland forward TUOMO RUUTU(15) of the Carolina Hurricanes at the boards in the Olympic semifinals from Vancouver. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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United States forward DUSTIN BROWN (32) of the Los Angeles Kings finishes his check opposite Finland forward JARKKO IMMONEN (62) of Russian club Avangard Omsk in the semfinals at the Vancouver Olympic Games. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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Finland assistant captain TEEMU SELANNE (8) leads his team through the hand-shake line with the United States after the Americans advanced to the Gold Medal Game with a surprising 6-1 result at the expense of Suomi. (Matt Slocum/AP)

Slovakia's TOMAS KOPECKY (82) scores the goal that knocks out defending champion Sweden sends Slovakia to the semifinals of the ice hockey tournament at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Powerless to prevent Kopecky are Swedish defenseman NIKLAS LIDSTROM (5) and goaltender HENRIK LUNDQVIST. (Matt Slocum/AP)

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For all the skill and experience found on the rosters of both SLOVAKIA and SWEDEN, not to mention ice hockey history between the two nations involved, it was only appropriate that the very last quarterfinal match at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver should feature a lively and entertaining affair settled by a solitary score.

Following a scoreless and evenly-played first period, the Slovaks drew first blood after the defending Olympic champions took a penalty for too many players seven and a half minutes into the second session.

Capitalizing on the power play, Slovakia’s Chicago Black Hawks star MARIAN HOSSA handed MARIAN GABORIK a perfect, cross-ice pass for the New York Rangers star to one-time past his National Hockey League teammate, HENRIK LUNDQVIST, in the Swedish goal.  

Less than a minute later, the Slovaks surprisingly scored yet again.

Intercepting a pass in his own defensive zone, Slovakia’s aging ZIGMUND PALFFY of HK 36 Skalica sent Torpedo Yaroslavl’s RICHARD ZEDNIK away on a rush. Palffy paid the price and received a devastating hit, but the former NHL scoring star’s quick pass had been huge. The NHL veteran Zednik sped into the Swedish zone down the right, drew the lone defender and cut the puck across for defenseman ANDREJ SEKERA of the Buffalo Sabres to shoot past Lundqvist. 

Sweden held a wide 12-4 lead in shots-on-goal for the second period and would respond, however, with the leadership of a veteran.

The 37-year-old, two-time Olympic gold medalist PETER FORSBERG of Mo Do Ornskoldsvik, with a backhand flip from behind the goal, found PATRIC HORNQVIST of the Nashville Preadators in front. With a backhand of his own past Slovak goaltender JAROSLAV HALAK of the Montreal Canadiens, the 22-year-old Hornqvist halfed Slovakia’s lead.

Almost immediately thereafter, with Forsberg steaming for the net, Detroit Red Wings star HENRIK ZETTERBERG had his centering pass deflect off Slovak defenseman MILAN JURCINA in front past Halak to pull Sweden level at 2-2 with five and a half minutes remaining until the second intermission.

Unfortunately for Sweden, Atlanta Thrashers defenseman TOBIAS ENSTROM took a penalty for tripping with less than two minutes to go and Slovakia promptly scored. PAVOL DEMITRA of the Olympic host city’s Vancouver Canucks, who produced the shootout winner for Slovakia versus Russia earlier in the tournament, struck again. The 35-year-old wing, who has missed most of this NHL season due to injury, cannoned a slapshot from the top of the left face-off circle over Lundqvist’s shoulder to send Slovakia back in front just before the break.

Nine minutes into the final frame, Slovakia again went up by two thanks to a goal from the unlikely TOMAS KOPECKY of the Chicago Black Hawks. Demitra and Marian Hossa broke into the zone on a two-one-one break; Kopecky slid his Chicago teammate’s rebound past the prone Lundqvist for his first goal at the Vancouver Games. Kopecky has four goals in 58 NHL games for the Black Hawks this winter.

Veteran DANIEL ALFREDSSON of the Ottawa Senators managed to draw the Swedes within one less than a minute later to set the stage for a tense and dramatic finish as Sweden pressed their attack. Indeed, the Swedes posted a lopsided 29-14 shots-on-goal total for the contest. But, Halak and the Slovaks were able to hang on for the victory and a place in the semifinals at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Slovakia, who failed to get past the preliminary stage at both the 1998 Nagano Games and the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, have reached the medal round for the very first time in Vancouver.

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SLOVAKIA 4 – SWEDEN 3

Shots-on-goal :  Sweden 29 – Slovakia 14

SVK goals :  Gaborik, Sekera, Demitra, Kopecky

SWE goals :  Hornqvist, Zetterberg, Alfredsson

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Slovak defenseman MILAN JURCINA (68) deposits Swedish forward SAMUEL PAHLSSON into Sweden’s bench as Pahlsson’s teammates scramble to protect themselves. Jurcina, who started the current 2009-10 season with the Washington Capitals, and Pahlsson are teammates with the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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Slovakia defender ANDREJ MESZAROS (14) of the Tampa Lightning bops Sweden forward HENRIK ZETTERBERG (40) of the Detroit Red Wings at the Slovak bench in the Olympic quarterfinal match at Canada Hockey Place. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)  

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Slovakia defenseman and quarterfinal goal-scorer ANDREJ SEKERA (44) of the Buffalo Sabres squeezes Swedish center NICKLAS BACKSTROM of the Washington Capitals against the boards in Vancouver. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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to be continued…

Finland's NIKLAS HAGMAN (10) raises his stick high to signal his third period goal which broke the 0-0 stalemate in the quarterfinals at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Concerned are Czech goaltender TOMAS VOKOUN and defenseman JAN HEJDA (35). Finland defeated the Czech Republic 2-0 to advance to the semifinals of the Vancouver Games. (Jukka Rautio/HHOF-IIHF Images)

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Both the CZECH REPUBLIC and FINLAND brought offensive ability to the University of British Columbia Thunderbird Arena for their quarterfinal match at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada.

What materialized in the midst of the pressures associated with the Olympic tournament was a defensive struggle featuring a good, old-fashioned goaltender’s duel between Finland’s MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF of the Calgary Flames and the Czech Republic’s TOMAS VOKOUN of the Florida Panthers.

The game, at least statistically, was quite evenly contested. The first period would have the Finns finish with an 11-10 edge in shots-on-goal. The second session would have that same result reversed in favor of the Czechs. Indeed, for the whole sixty minutes, each time would generate a matching thirty-one shots upon one another’s goal.

Five minor penalties to the Czech Republic in the first period meant star forward JAROMIR JAGR of Russian club Avangard Omsk saw just 2:08 of ice time from coach VLADIMIR RUZICKA in the opening twenty minutes.

Finland, however, failed to take advantage of its power play opportunities with solid penalty-killing and Vokoun in net carrying the Czechs.

In the second period, the Czech Republic did better to avoid the wrath of the referees and organize more attacks but found Kiprusoff to be in fine form for the Finns.

After 52 minutes of scoreless hockey, Finland finally broke the stalemate after the Czech Republic’s MARTIN ERAT of the Nashville Predators was sent to the penalty box.

Already a man down, the Czechs had their problems compounded in short order.

Critically, Finnish forward NIKLAS HAGMAN of the Calgary Flames was left alone in front when defenseman JANNE NISKALA of Swedish club HC Vastra Frolunda Goteborg let go his slapshot from the Finnish point. Hagman, the son of the first Finn to ever play in the National Hockey League, redirected the puck through Vokoun’s five-hole for the game’s first goal. For Hagman, it marked his third goal in four games for Finland at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

The Czech Republic defenseman PAVEL KUBINA of the Atlanta Flames had been at the center of it all. Kubina had lost his helmet in a collision with Hagman, who had started the play with a rush into the Czech zone. Shortly before Niskala discharged his shot, Kubina, realizing he had no headgear, suddenly left Hagman to collect his helmet behind the net.  

“It was tough luck for us, because the defenseman lost his helmet and he had to go pick it up. But, that’s a part of the game,” Jagr later reflected.

In the 59th minute, Finland’s VALTTERI FILPPULA of the Detroit Red Wings effectively killed off the Czechs’ last chance with an empty-net goal seven seconds after Vokoun had gone to the bench for an extra attacker.

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FINLAND 2 – CZECH REPUBLIC 0

Shots-on-goal :  Finland 31 – Czech Republic 31

FIN goals :  Hagman, Filppula

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Finnish winger TEEMU SELANNE (8) wrecks with Czech defenseman MAREK ZIDLICKY (3) in the quarterfinals of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

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A hard hit from Czech defender JAN HEJDA (35) along the boards dispossesses Finland forward TUOMO RUUTU (15) of both the puck and his balance at the Vancouver Games. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

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Finland’s ANTTI MIETTINEN outmuscles the Czech Republic’s MARTIN ERAT (91) in his bid for the black disc. Erat collected a critical penalty late in the contest at UBC Thunderbird Arena. (Reuters photo)

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to be continued…

Russia's VIKTOR KOZLOV (52) skates away as Canada's RYAN GETZLAFF (51) gets a hug from DAN BOYLE (22) while Corey PERRY (24) and DUNCAN KEITH (2) look to join the celebration. Getzlaff's goal just 2:21 into the game sparked Canada to a surprisingly-simple 7-3 quarterfinal romp over Russia at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. (Matthew Manor/HHOF-IIHF Images)

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As was the case in Turin four years earlier, historical hockey rivals CANADA and RUSSIA were drawn to meet in the quarterfinal round at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The results this time around were quite different, indeed, if not downright shocking. In fact, by the time Canadian defenseman SHEA WEBER of the Nashville Predators had scored to open up a 6-1 lead four minutes into the second period, all this author had to say about the proceedings in Vancover was — Oh! Canada!

RYAN GETZLAFF of the Anaheim Ducks triggered the offensive outburst with a goal for Canada just two and a half minutes into the game. San Jose Sharks rearguard DAN BOYLE, with a rush down the left that started in his own defensive zone, provided the crossing pass which left Getzlaff a gaping net to shoot at.  

Ten minutes later, with the man-advantage, Boyle circled in his own end to start a Canadian play which culminated with a wrist shot from the top of the left circle by the San Jose defender that beat his National Hockey League teammate, Russian goaltender EVGENY NABOKOV, to double Canada’s lead.

Less than sixty seconds following Boyle’s goal, RICK NASH of the Columbus Blue Jackets changed the scoreboard to show 3-0 for Canada with not even thirteen minutes of the match played.

Canada’s JONATHAN TOEWS of the Chicago Black Hawks and Philadelphia Flyers forward MIKE RICHARDS combined to strip Pittsburgh Penquins star forward EVGENY MALKIN of the puck at the Russian point. A smart pass from Richards sent Toews off on the counter, allowing the streaking Nash to put a puck over the stacked pads of Nabokov.

Russia did attempt to revive themselves shortly thereafter. Defenseman DMITRI KALININ of Salavat Yulayev Ufa connected with a wrist shot from the left point past Canada’s starting goaltender, ROBERTO LUONGO of the Olympic host city’s Vancouver Canucks, roughly fourteen and a half minutes in. For Kalinin, the score was the product of what would be the Russian rearguard’s only official shot-on-goal the whole of the 2010 Winter Games tournament.

But, whatever momentum Russia may have gained was lost on account of Canada’s BRENDEN MORROW with under two minutes to go in the opening period. At equal strength, the Dallas Stars forward secured a puck from Boyle along the boards behind the goalline and promptly skated out in front unchallenged. A backhander underneath Nabokov gave Canada a commanding 4-1 lead. 

The situation did not improve for Russia to start the second period. Three minutes after the intermission break, Canada became the beneficiaries of good fortune when COREY PERRY of the Anaheim Ducks found himself with the puck and a wide open net. Perry’s NHL teammate, Getzlaff, had gotten his wrist shot on the rush into the offensive zone deflected by Russian defenseman ILYA NIKULIN of Ak Bars Kazan with Nabokov out to cut the angle.

Canada’s goal from Weber less than sixty seconds after Perry scored finally sent the San Jose Sharks goaltender to the showers for Russia. For Nabokov, the six goals allowed (on 23 shots) in twenty-four minutes at Vancouver stood in stark contrast to the shutout the 34-year-old had served up for Russia against Canada four years earlier in Italy. And so, Phoenix Coyotes goaltender ILYA BRYZGALOV was sent out by Russian coach VYACHESLAV BYKOV. 

A quick goal from MAXIM AFINOGENOV of the Atlanta Thrashers might have augmented any criticism of a belated decision by Bykov, but a second goal from Perry nine minutes into the second period certainly confirmed Canadian overall superiority on the night at Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver.

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CANADA 7 – RUSSIA 3

Shots-on-goal :  Canada 42 – Russia 28

CAN goals :  Perry 2, Getzlaff, Boyle, Nash, Morrow, Weber

RUS goals:  Kalinin, Afinogenov, Gonchar

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Russian defenseman ANTON VOLCHENKOV (6) is double-teamed by Canada's BRENDEN MORROW (10) and COREY PERRY (24) along the boards at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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Morrow does not make out as well as Volchenkov and heads for the ice surface at Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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to be continued…

United States forward ZACH PARISE (9) pops the puck past prone Swiss goalie JONAS HILLER into the net to break a third-period scoreless tie in the quarterfinals at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Looking on are Swiss forward THIERRY PATERLINI (23) and captain MARK STREIT (7) as well as United States attackers JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER (15) ane PAUL STASTNY (26). (Jukka Rautio/HHOF-IIHF Images)

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It is never easy to defeat the same team twice at any tournament, let alone in the pressure-packed enviroment that is the Winter Olympics…

The UNITED STATES, the top overall seed following group round-robin play at the 2010 Games, would confirm that theory still holds water as they confronted SWITZERLAND in the quarterfinals at Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver.

Goaltender JONAS HILLER of the Anaheim Ducks was not at his best and had allowed three goals on 24 shots for Switzerland in the Group A round-robin game against the United States which had opened this year’s Olympic ice hockey proceedings. 

However, provided a second bite at the apple, Hiller would bring his A game for the re-match with the Americans at the quarterfinal hurdle. Which was exactly the sort of quality that Switzerland coach RALPH KRUEGER needed to receive from one of the only two National Hockey League players on his Olympic side. With Hiller in high gear, the Swiss were adequtely prepared to give the Americans a game.

To say Hiller was huge in the quarterfinals would be an understatement; the Anaheim Duck denied eighteen American shots in the first period alone. Altogether, the United States unleashed 32 shots at the Swiss goal the first two periods as compared to the eight amassed by Switzerland against American netminder RYAN MILLER of the Buffalo Sabres. And yet, as the two teams skated out for the final period of play, the score still stood where it had when the game’s first puck had originally been dropped.

While Switzerland certainly generated a few opportunities of their own on the counterattack, they were also a bit lucky, as well. United States forward PHIL KESSEL of the Toronto Maple Leafs clanked Swiss iron in the second session. And, an apparent goal at the end of the period was waved off by the referees after further review.

Hiller had made a save off a deflection from the stick of United States forward PATRICK KANE of the Chicago Black Hawks at the side of his net. With the puck in mid-air, the Swiss netminder attempted to swat the black disc to safety with his goalstick. Instead, the biscuit dropped behind Hiller and into the back of Switzerland’s net; replays clearly showed the period had expired.

“It was good to go into the (second) intermission with a 0-0 tie,” Swiss defenseman YANNICK WEBER, a farmhand in the Montreal Canadiens organization with the American Hockey League’s Hamilton Bulldogs, offered after the match. “I think it gave us some confidence.”

But, when defenseman PHILIPPE FURRER of SC Bern was sent off for tripping 1:56 into the final frame, it proved to be a penalty too far for Switzerland.

A dozen seconds had barely been counted off the clock when, on the ensuing power play, United States forward ZACH PARISE of the New Jersey Devils deflected Detroit Red Wings defenseman BRIAN RAFALSKI’s shot up and over Hiller’s glove to give the Americans a 1-0 advantage. 

The Swiss actually played their best hockey of the game in the final twenty minutes and were extremely unfortunate to not draw level shortly after the United States went to the lead. 33-year-old SANDY JEANNIN of HC Fribourg-Gotteron, appearing in his 89th career game for Switzerland at a major international tournament, created the chance. Receiving a pass in the left face-off circle, Jeannin drew Miller out of goal and beat the U.S. goaltender with a wrister, but his shot caught the far post.

The Swiss exchanged Hiller for an extra-attacker with roughly two minutes remaining, but Parise’s empty net goal twelve seconds from time provided clear passage for the United States into the semifinals at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

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UNITED STATES 2 – SWITZERLAND 0

Shots-on-goal :  United States 44 – Switzerland 19

USA goals :  Parise 2

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United States defenseman BRIAN RAFALSKI (28) sends Switzerland's ROMAN WICK (14) face-first into the boards at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. (Julie Jacobson/AP)

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United States forward PAUL STASTNY (26) of the Colorado Avalanche slams Switzerland defenseman and captain MARK STREIT of the New York Islanders into the boards at the Vancouver Games. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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United States defenseman BRIAN RAFALSKI (28) of the Detroit Red Wings derails Switzerland forward THOMAS DERUNS (18) of HC Servette Geneva at the 2010 Winter Olympics. (Matt Slocum/AP)

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visuals to be continued…

Boston Bruins forward MIROSLAV SATAN (18) receives spoils from Slovakia teammates TOMAS KOPECKY and RICHARD ZEDNIK (left) after Satan's third period goal versus Norway in the qualification round of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Norwegian defenseman JONAS HOLOS observes. Slovakia narrowly defeated a stubborn Norway 4-3 to earn a place in the quarterfinals at the Vancouver Games. (Julie Jacobson/AP photo)

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Another affair which might have appeared to be a mismatch produces another outstanding evening of late-night entertainment from the 2010 Winter Olympics, this the qualification round match featuring NORWAY and SLOVAKIA from Vancouver.

As one would have expected, Slovakia struck first seven minutes into the match. Parked in front on the power play, Los Angeles Kings center MICHAL HANDZUS hacked home the rebound of New York Rangers wing MARIAN GABORIK’s wrist shot from the right face-off circle for the always-important first goal of the game.

Norway defender OLE KRISTIAN TOLLEFSEN of the Detroit Red Wings had been assessed a five-minute major for checking to the head and neck area as well as the automatic game misconduct with accompanying ejection from the match for his shot on Slovakia’s LUBOS BARTECKO of Swedish club BK Farjestad Karlstad.

Less than three minutes later, still with the man-advantage, Slovakia doubled the margin when Gaborik re-directed the shot/pass of the Vancouver Canucks’ PAVOL DEMITRA past PAL GROTNES of IF Stjernen Fredrikstad in the Norwegian goal.

Norway were not prepared to just pack it in, nevertheless, despite being outshot by the Slovaks 21-2 for the first period.

With roughly two minutes to go in the opening session, Slovakia’s multi-millionaire MARIAN HOSSA of the Chicago Black Hawks raced down the left wing into the Norwegian zone but was dispossesed of the disc by defenseman JONAS HOLOS of Swedish club BK Farjestad Karlstad. Holos’ clearance was ultimately chased down by pint-sized MATS ZUCCARELLO AASEN of Swedish side Mo Do Ornskoldsvik just inside the Slovak blueline. Aasen attempted to center for the on-rushing PATRICK THORESEN of Russian club Salavat Yulayev Ufa, but this was blocked by Slovak rearguard MILAN JURCINA of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The biscuit bounced straight back to Aasen, however, and the 22-year-old wing promptly whipped a wrist shot past Slovak goaltender JAROSLAV HALAK of the Montreal Canadiens to give some spark to Norway.

Slovakia responded immediately with their third power play goal of the period forty-six seconds thereafter. RICHARD ZEDNIK of Russian club Torpedo Yaroslavl, again, unhindered in front of net, snapped the centering pass of Kazakh club Barys Astana’s Josef STUMPEL past Grotnes for another two-goal Slovak lead. 

Seven minutes into the second period, the Norwegians again whittled the lead to one. Hat trick hero TORE VIKINGSTAD of German club EC Hannover one-timed a smart pass from Thoresen behind Halak; Norway enjoyed their most productive period in the middle frame by firing off ten shots-on-goal.

Hard work and hustle, quite literally, would pay off in the end. Accepting a pass from Aasen along the right boards at the goal line, ANDERS BASTIANSEN of Swedish club BK Farjestad Karlstad circled around and from the face-off circle fired a wrister past the hapless Halak with exactly one second to go in the second period for a dramatic 3-3 equalizer.

An overwhelming 40-19 disparity in shots for the game would finally catch up with the Norwegians in the last twenty minutes; ironically, Norway outshot Slovakia seven to six in the third period.

Nearly nine minutes into the final frame, Slovakia’s MIROSLAV SATAN settled matters for good with his second goal in as many contests at the Vancouver Games. Edmonton Oilers defenseman LUBOMIR VISOVSKY, on the attack behind the Norwegian net, centered for Satan, who was out of contract all season until the Boston Bruins signed the 35-year-old experienced NHL veteran just after the New Year. 

Halak held the fort the rest of the way — and Slovakia survived.

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SLOVAKIA 4 – NORWAY 3

Shots-on-goal :  Slovakia 40 – Norway 19

SVK goals :  Handzus, Gaborik, Zednik, Satan

NOR goals :  Zuccarello Aasen, Vikingstad, Bastiansen

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to be continued…

Boston Bruins forward DAVID KREJCI (46) scores 5:10 into overtime to lift the Czech Republic past a plucky Latvia 3-2 in the qualification round at the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Czechs move on to face Finland in the quarterfinals at the 2010 Vancouver Games. (Chris O'Meara/AP photo)

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Two goals eleven minutes and six seconds into the contest seemed to send some sort of signal the CZECH REPUBLIC were in for a training game against LATVIA in the qualification round at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

First, with the Czechs on the power play, TOMAS ROLINEK of Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk backhanded the rebound from Ottawa Senators defenseman FILIP KUBA’s point shot behind Latvia goaltender EDGARS MASALSKIS of Dynamo Riga just before the six minute mark.

Then, TOMAS FLEISCHMANN of the Washington Capitals wristed a shot from the slot past Masalskis after a fine setup from Boston Bruins forward DAVID KREJCI, who had taken the puck after fine board work from teammate ROMAN CERVENKA of Slavia Prague behind the net.

But Masalskis, who would finish the game with 48 saves, immediately thereafter slammed the door on the Czech Republic for the remainder of regulation play in what was easily the 29-year-old veteran Latvian international’s best effort at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

Meanwhile, the scrappy but heavily outshot Latvians continued to skate and play for a break.

Such opportunity arrived with eight minutes left in the match when a centered puck from Lativa’s ALEKSANDRS NIZIVIJS skipped to MARTINS CIPULIS in the slot. The 29-year-old Dynamo Riga forward quickly whacked the disc past Czech goaltender TOMAS VOKOUN of the Florida Panthers to cut the Latvian deficit in half.

Suitably energized and the beneficiaries of a bit of good fortune, Latvia pulled level tunate bounce with less than four minutes remaining in regulation. The well-traveled ARMANDS BERZINS, a Minnesota Wild draft pick, saw his one-timer from the slot miss the net but bounce off the boards straight to Dynamo Riga’s MIKELIS REDLIHS at the side of the net. The 25-year-old forward was able to bundle the biscuit into the back of the net and lift Latvia to a remarkable 2-2 draw.

And, thus, extra time was required.

A little more than halfway through the overtime session, the Czech Republic booked their passage into the quarterfinal round. Krejci collected a drop pass from Fleischmann in the offensive zone and, after faking the slapshot, cut to his right to shoot between Masalskis’ legs for the game-winning-goal.

The Czechs could breathe a collective sigh of relief. 

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CZECH REPUBLIC 3 – LATVIA 2 — (overtime)

Shots-on-goal :  Czech Republic 50 – Latvia 26

CZE goals :  Rolinek, Fleischmann

LAT goals :  Cipulis, M. Redlihs

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Two Kontinental Hockey Leaguers converge — Lativa’s GINTS MEIJA (87) of Dynamo Riga mixes with the Czech Republic’s TOMAS ROLINEK of Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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Canada's JAROME IGINLA (12) scores his second and Canada's fourth goal against Germany goaltender THOMAS GREISS almost nine minutes into the second period as German forward SVEN FELSKI (11) and Canadian defenseman DREW DOUGHTY (8) fight in front at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Host nation Canada hammered Germany on home ice 8-2 and advances to face historical rival Russia in the quarterfinal round. Iginla scored a hat trick in Canada's 8-0 opening-game victory over Norway in Vancouver. (Hans Deryk/Reuters)

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GERMANY were always going to need good goaltending in their quarterfinal qualification match with CANADA at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver but that certainly did not materialize by the end of the evening in the Canadian western province of British Columbia.

The Germans were able to hang with the Canada for about a period, but not much more.

Two second period goals from Calgary Flame JAROME IGINLA, who notched a hat trick versus Norway on opening day, opened the floodgates as the Canadians lit the lamp three times in the first eight minutes of the middle period; four goals poured in for Canada over the final twenty minutes. Aside from Iginla, six other players registered a goal for Canada while ERIC STAAL of the Carolina Hurricanes contributed three assists in the match.

Meanwhile, another performance featuring a lot of something left to be desired from Germany’s starting goaltender, THOMAS GREISS of the San Jose Sharks.

MARCEL GOC of the Nashville Predators and MANUEL KLINGE of EC Kassel, with just one minute remaining, scored goals to salvage a measure of German pride.

And so the Germans close out a terribly disappointing showing with the heavy loss to host nation Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Games. Another Olympics of underachievement, as matters have it. The Germans have now gone twelve consecutive matches (ten losses, two ties) without a victory in ice hockey at the Winter Olympics dating back to the Salt Lake City Games of 2002.

Not a whole lot of momentum gathered this February in North America as the German national team heads for the annual International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships this spring — which will be held in Germany.

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CANADA 8 – GERMANY 2

Shots-on-goal :  Canada 39 – Germany 23

CAN goals: Iginla 2, Thornton, Weber, Crosby, Richards, Niedermayer, Nash

GER goals: Goc, Klinge

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Canada defenseman CHRIS PRONGER (20) skates off after hitting Germany forward KAI HOSPELT (18) as Canadian goaltender ROBERTO LUONGO (1) looks on at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. (Matt Slocum/AP photo)

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Canada defenseman CHRIS PRONGER (20) of the Philadelphia Flyers is pressed up against the glass by German forward JOHN TRIPP (21) of the Hamburg Freezers. Tripp, a native Canadian and former 2nd round draft pick of the Calgary Flames, played 43 NHL games (2 go 7 as, 9 pts) for the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings. Tripp played seven seasons of professional hockey at four different levels in North America before heading to play in the German elite league to start the 2004-05 campaign. (Hans Deryk/Reuters)

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With the black disc down in his skates, Canada’s BRENDEN MORROW (10) of the Dallas Stars hits Germany’s JOCHEN HECHT (17) of the Buffalo Sabres at the Canadian bench in Vancouver. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Canada’s BRENDEN MORROW (10) mashes Germany’s MANUEL KLINGE against the boards during the host nation’s demolition of Deutschland at the 2010 Winter Olympics. (Jean Levac/CNS) 

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Canada’s ERIC STAAL (21) collides with Germany’s Czechoslovak-born defenseman, JAKUB FICENCEC (38). Staal collected three assists in Canada’s 8-2 rout of Germany in Vancouver. (Shaun Best/Reuters) 

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Canadian superstar SIDNEY CROSBY (87) of the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penquins checks German defenseman MICHAEL BAKOS (22) of ERC Ingolstadt at the Winter Games in Vancouver. (Matt Slocum/AP)

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Canadian forward JAROME IGINLA (12) of the Calgary Flames squashes German defenseman ALEXANDER SULZER (52) of the Nashville Predators at the boards in Vancouver. Iginla helped break the game open with a pair of goals inside five minutes apart early in the second period to give Canada a commanding 4-1 lead. (Jean Levac/CNS) 

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to be continued…

Switzerland's ROMANO LEMM (67) puts the game-winning penalty-shot past Belarus goaltender ANDREI MEZIN in the quarterfinal qualification round of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Switzerland defeated Belarus 3-2 in the shootout following ten minutes of overtime. It was Lemm who had levied the winner against Norway in Switzerland's prior match. (Jukka Rautio/HHOF-IIHF Images)

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Anyone familiar with the match history of BELARUS and SWITZERLAND could have guessed what to expect for the quarterfinal qualification clash at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver — a very low-scoring affair to be decided by a single goal.

Indeed, three of the past four contests between Belarus and Switzerland at major international tournaments prior to the meeting in Vancouver had produced three-goal games; the other match was a 2-0 result.

Switzerland had won four of the past five encounters at the majors, including a 2-1 victory over the Belarussians at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Oddly enough at Salt Lake City, however, it was Belarus and not the Swiss who advanced out of Group B in the preliminary round into the final Olympic tournament. Belarus went on to claim Sweden’s scalp in the quarterfinals, of course.

So with this background was the puck dropped for the first of the four quarterfinal qualification matches in Vancouver and, against the percentages of history, a goal was promptly scored.

From his own defensive zone, Belarus rearguard VIKTOR KOSTYUCHENOK of Spartak Moscow sent a home run pass to ALEXEI KALYUZHNY of Dynamo Moscow at the Switzerland blueline. Although the pass was dead on, Kalyuzhny allowed the vulcanized rubber to get away from his stick and run straight in on Swiss goaltender JONAS HILLER of the Anaheim Ducks. Hiller had plenty of time and space to eat the biscuit, but somehow permitted the puck bounce off his goalstick nevertheless.

Kalyuzhny swooped in for a backhand attempt which was saved by Hiller, but the Swiss goalie lost sight of the puck in underneath his pads. The heavily experienced and obviously alert Belarus forward, despite losing his balance, dove head first and stabbed the disc through Hiller’s pads into the net. Switzerland protested but to no avail; Belarus were in front 1-0 after just 59 seconds. 

The Swiss leveled matters at the 12:25 mark of the first period after Kalyuzhny had been sent to the box for Belarus. Minnesota Wild draft pick JULIEN SPRUNGER of HC Fribourg-Gotteron scored a pretty goal on the power play for his second tally in two games for Switzerland. Sprunger swatted a puck mid-air past Belarus goaltender ANDREI MEZIN after storming down the middle of the slot to receive a pass from Ottawa Senators draft pick ROMAN WICK of EHC Kloten. 

Switzerland, who had posted a 16-7 edge in shots-on-goal for the opening period, went to their first lead of the contest seven minutes into the second period, again on the power play.

Canadian-born HNAT DOMENICHELLI of HC Lugano scored his first goal of the 2010 Vancouver Games after a shot from the point by Swiss captain MARK STREIT of the New York Islanders changed directions a few times and found the former National Hockey Leaguer alone all in front. Experienced Belarussian defenseman and captain RUSLAN SALEI, who had himself scored Belarus’ game-winning-goal versus Germany, appeared to lose track of the 33-year-old veteran Domenichelli.

Despite being outshot 26-11, however, Belarus held the fort in large part due to the efforts of the 35-year-old Mezin in net. The veteran netminder, who had played 59 games for Belarus at eleven major international tournaments heading into Vancouver, was preferred by national team coach MIKHAIL ZAKHAROV over VITALI KOVAL, who had kicked out 37 shots in the 5-3 win over Germany. Making his 14th career start at his third Winter Olympic Games, Mezin would ultimately finish with 40 saves for Belarus.

Accustomed to being under pressure at these Vancouver Games, the Belarussians again counterattacked for the tying goal with 4:18 remaining in the second period. Belarus again profited from a fortuitous bounce. Defenseman NIKOLAI STASENKO of Russian club Amur Khabarovsk sent a wrist shot from the point goal-bound which ricocheted off Belarus forward ALEXEI UGAROV of Russian club HK MVD Balashikha straight to the Belarus coach’s son all alone at the side of the net.     

KONSTANTIN ZAKHAROV of Dynamo Minsk, former farmhard of the St. Louis Blues, gleefully shot the puck into the wide open net to boost Belarus to a 2-2 draw.

What followed was more than half a game (34:12 to be precise) of shutout hockey delivered by the two goaltenders Hiller and Mezin. And so a shootout was necessary to determine who should advance to the quarterfinal round to face the United States in the quarterfinal round proper. 

THOMAS DERUNS of HC Servette Geneva and ROMANO LEMM of HC Lugano both achieved success with Switzerland’s first two penalty-shot attempts.

DMITRI MELESHKO of Dynamo Minsk gave Belarus hope, particularly after Mezin denied Swiss forward IVO RUTHEMANN of SC Bern.

But Hiller halted SERGEI KOSTITSYN and, thus, Switzerland survived to skate another day at the ice hockey tournament at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. 

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SWITZERLAND 3 – BELARUS 2 — (aet, shootout)

Shots-on-goal :  Switzerland 42 – Belarus 22

SWITZ goals :  Sprunger, Domenichelli

BLR goals :  Kalyuzhny, Zakharov

Shootout :

SWITZ —  Deruns (1/1), Lemm (1/1), Ruthemann (0/1)

BLR —  Antonenko (0/1), Meleshko (1/1), S. Kostitsyn (0/1)

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Belarus forward ALEXEI KALYUZHNY (71) backhands his shot after Switzerland goaltender JONAS HILLER (1) mishandled the puck in the opening minute of play. (Julie Jacobson/AP)

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The veteran international Kalyuzhny (71) pokes the puck past the Swiss goaltender Hiller to give Belarus an early 1-0 lead. Unable to stop Belarus’ all-time leading scorer at major international events are Switzerland skaters SEVERIN BLINDENBACHER (5), ANDRES AMBUEHL (10) and LUCA SBISA (47). Looking on for Belarus is KONSTANTIN KOLTSOV (28), the former 1999 first round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penquins. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Montreal Canadiens forward SERGEI KOSTITSYN (74) arrives to plead the case of Belarus as the Swiss goaltender Hiller lodges his protests with the referee. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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All eyes look to the referee; the veteran Belarussian international Kalyuzhny of Kontinental Hockey League club Dynamo Moscow is convinced he has scored. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Kalyuzhny has scored and in the process collects his third goal of the 2010 Vancouver Games and 13th career goal for Belarus at major tournaments. Kalyuzhny, totals from Vancouver included, is the all-time leader in both assists (21) and points (34) for the Belarussian national team. (Matt Slocum/AP)

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to be continued…