Denmark beats Norway and sends Slovenia a clear message

Start of the game was regardless the expectations crazy.  Yet in time 1:51 Denmark went to the lead, thanks to a faceoff won in Denmark`s attacking zone and a hard wristshot from distance by Daniel Nielsen.

And just 95 seconds later the score changed to 1-1. Norway got to the board after a combination of Mats Olsen Rosseli and Ken Andre Olimb. The first named found the second to be ignored by Danish defensemen between the circles, passed the puck to him and K. A. Olimb puts in the net.

The further going of the game went according to assumptions. Both clubs calmed down producing not so many hockey actions, until Denmark`s first powerplay in the night. Late in the period, Julian Jakobsen asked Daniel Nielsen if he may like to send a slapper from the blue line, and he did - 2:1!

Another powerplay of Denmark, just after starting the second half of the game, and another goal in Lars Haugen`s net. Analogically to the night`s only goal for Norway, Jesper Jensen waits for Frederik Storm to find a spot between the circles and offers Storm to make it 3:1.

Lars Haugen allowed four tonight: Photo: Roman Kantor

Needless to say, during next long minutes, Norway did not produce too much of effort to equalize the score. The first serious threat to Sebastian Dahm`s net came during the 51st minute and Norway only hit the goal-post.

But the next counter-attack was successful. A quick transition of play by Morten Madsen, Nichlas Hardt and Jakobsen lead to Jakobsen`s shot although from a tight angle, but successful.

For remaining eight minutes in the regulation, Norway increased the activity with puck rapidly, but did not manage to score any goals.

Before this game, Denmark had the only point in Group B while being seriously threatened by the possibility of relegation. Although this victory keeps Danes in the second last position, with the current points-score of 4 they will sleep better before the mutual game with Slovenia ( 0 p.) on May 11.

Now it looks like a possible victory of Slovenia is not enough to skip above Denmark and to keep a chance of surviving in the World Championship`s Top Division, Slovenia must meanwhile win against USA for two points at least, too.

The loss 4-1 to Denmark means the tournament ends for Norway after the Group Stage.

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