Norway beats Slovenia in close game

Norway took control of the ame from the start and took the lead already at 1:02 to the join of around 1 000 Norwegian fans in the Globe Arena. The goal was scored by Anders Bastiansen who was given a lot of space on the left flank and found the net with a soft shot between the pads.

Norway stayed in control of the game and played two good PP's against a confused Slovenian defense but no goals were score. Instead Bastiansen scored again when he raced clear and was given a great pass by Mathis Olimb and all alone with Kristan Bastiansen found the same hole between Kristan's pads again for 2-0. "It was nice to score but better that we won", Bastiansen said about scoring twice.

With just 16 seconds left of the first Ziga Jeglic put Slovenia on the board scoring after a nice sideway pass by Rok Ticar. A very important goal to keep Slovenia in the game and it felt like the Slovenian's had some more confidence when the second period started. And in the second period it felt like there was only one team on the ice as Slovenia put pressure on the Norwegian net. However Lars Haugen was solid and Slovenia had problems to create the really good chances to test him.

When Norway got a power play late in the second Slovenia got their best chances. First and partial breakaway and just seconds later a two on one where Kovacevic finished it off but Lars Haugen made a great with his leg lying down on his side. The play gave Slovenia a power play where they created more chances without being able to beat Haugen.

It's hard to understand what happened to Norway's game between the first and second. In the first Norway played fast, powerful and offensive hockey and in the second period they almost didn't reach the offensive zone. After 11-4 in favour of Norway in the first period, Slovenia had 10-2 in the second.

There was some body contact in this game. Photo: Michal Eger

"They got energy and we got a bit afraid", Bastiansen said in attempt to explain what happened".

The third period was exciting with coast to coast hockey and chances at both end but two goalkeepers kept the score at 2-1. Anders Bastiansen was close to a hat trick with another breakaway but this time Kristan denied him. With a 1:29 left Mads Hansen got the chance on a penalty shot when he was slashed from behind on a breakaway. But his weak shot was easily saved by Kristan to keep Slovenia in the game.

Slovenia pulled the goalie and was close to tie it when the puck bounced in front of Haugen with around 20 seconds left but instead Mads Hansen got revenge for his bad penalty shot and made the final score 4-3 with 4.7 seconds left to play.

Slovenia's Gasper Kopitar was dissapointed with his team's effort in the first period. "First ten minutes we didn't win any 50-50 pucks. Later we played quite well but couldn't score"

Norway's Mats Trygg said "We are happy with the result but not with the way we played". On the question what key to winning was Patrick Thoresen said "He stands there (and nodded in the direction of goalie Lars Haugen). He shouldn't need to do it but we have to thank him".

One of Haugen's saves. Photo: Michal Eger

Norway will have to improve to reach their goal of quarter final, but a lot of other teams had a tough start to the tournament as well. For Slovenia they show they can compete but they have to improve their defense and their scoring efficiancy to stay in Elite group.

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