Sweden back in business

Sweden recovered from the lost against Switzerland yesterday and came out and made a strong effort against a Czech team that didn't live up to expectations. Even it was a bit nerves at the end it was a solid 2-1 win for Sweden.

"I think we did a good game in difference from yesterday. We learned from our mistakes. Yesterday we had expectations to win and played too complicated. Today we met a world class team and played much more simple", Staffan Kronwall said.

Sweden slowly took control of the game and took the lead halfway through the first when Jimmie Ericsson opened the scoring. Martin Thörnberg was behind the net and found Ericsson in front of goal and Ericsson's shot squeezed into the goal between Salak's arm and the post. A vital start for the Swedish team after the bad result against Switzerland.

Lot of feelings. Photo: Michal Eger

Sweden carried the momentum during the reminder of the first period much thanks to three power plays but failed to beat Salak more than once. Shots on goal in the first was 16-3.

During the first few minutes of the second period Czech Republic created more than they did in the entire first period but after the storm Sweden took control again and doubled the lead when Henrik Tallinder's shot from the blueline found it's way through traffic leaving Salak without a chance to see the puck.

After the goal the Czechs had nothing and Sweden should have extended their lead further but when you don't make full use of your momentum you invite the opponent and when the Czechs were given a power play Jiri Hudler reduced the lead when he deflected the puck pass Jhonas Enroth in the Swedish net.

Czechs just scored. Photo: Michal Eger.

Dick Axelsson had a great chance for 3-1 when he was free in front of Salak and made Salak go the wrong way but Salak some how recovered and manage to save the puck, a fantastic save. Axelsson was one of the better Swedes and was pleased. "It felt good . I had three super chances but the puck didn't want to go in."

Axelsson crashing the net. Photo: Michal Eger

Sweden was the better team but the closer to the final buzzer the game went you could feel the nerve of losing the important win for the Swedish team. It became even more nervous when the Czechs played 6 against 4 the last 51 seconds but the Czechs were never really close to tie it.

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