PRAGUE, 29 April 2004 — Sweden scored two unanswered goals in the third period to beat Russia 3-2 and clinch Group C in the preliminary round at the World Ice Hockey Championship on Tuesday.
Switzerland set up a showdown with Canada for Group D’s top spot after they stormed back from a three-goal deficit in the third period to draw 4-4 with Austria.
Canada beat hapless France 3-0 while Latvia came from behind to beat Kazakhstan 3-1. Denmark secured their first win of the tournament as they edged Japan 4-3, only to see the success marred by the playing of the wrong national anthem.
Sweden and Russia felt each other out for most of the first period like two heavyweights in a title fight.
Sweden’s Dick Tarnstrom finally broke the deadlock after 17:32 of the first period but Atlanta Thrashers sensation Ilya Kovalchuk notched a pair of goals in the second period to put the Russians ahead.
Michael Nylander scored with just under seven minutes left in the game and the draw looked likely until Jorgen Jonsson’s re-direction with 93 seconds left gave Sweden victory.
Edmonton Oiler forward Shawn Horcoff scored twice as title holders Canada overcame a poor ice surface to beat an underpowered France 3-0.
After opening with a draw against Austria, Canada must now beat Switzerland to take top spot in Group D as they head into the qualifying round.
But the Canadians, who came together only a week ago, are just starting to show signs of cohesion.
“We know it’s early, and we’re trying to come together, build some chemistry. Hopefully, we will be a little sharper on offence tomorrow (Wednesday) because goal differential can be a factor in deciding the groups,” said Canada captain Ryan Smyth.
Nashville Predators forward Sergejs Zholtoks scored the winner for Latvia with just over four minutes to play. The win ensures Latvia move on to the qualifying round while winless Kazakhstan will battle against relegation.
Japan will also be in the relegation round after their loss to Denmark. Defenseman Nobuhiro Sugawara scored in his own net in the third period to give Denmark a 4-3 lead that stood up to the end. “Unfortunately that part of the game could happen to any one of us,” said Japan’s Chris Bright.
