RIGA. BRATISLAVA. The Slovak hockey players again performed well at the World Championships in Riga. This time, however, he was not enough for points.
Craig Ramsay’s charges lost to Sweden 1: 3.
Slovaks were adorned with speed, dedication and fighting spirit. After nice events, they also worked out several goal opportunities. However, they lacked greater efficiency.
Although they have won up to four out of six matches at the championship and scored twelve points, they still do not have some progress to the quarterfinals.
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The last match of the basic group will be played on Tuesday at 15.15 against the Czech Republic.
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If they get at least a point in it, they don’t have to rely on the rest of the results and play in the quarterfinals. For the first time since 2013.
Húska was nervous at first
After a 2-0 victory over Denmark, coach Craig Ramsay made several line-up changes. Perhaps the most significant was the deployment of goalkeeper Adam Husek.
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He made his debut not only at the championship, but also in the Slovak national team. And although his premiere was not a victory, he gave an excellent performance. He was declared the best Slovak player.
“Ever since I came to Slovakia, I have been waiting for my chance. And he tried to be ready when he came. I felt good, although at the beginning I was nervous, “Húska admitted at the press conference.
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He last caught the match more than a month ago. Since then, he has maintained only in training. The championship started as the third goalkeeper in the stands.
And after a injury, Branislav Konrád moved to the substitution bench. This time, Július Hudáček, the hero of the match against the Danes, remained on it.
“Julo encouraged me the whole match, he is a great goalkeeper. I finally have my debut behind me, but after the loss they are mixed feelings, “added 24-year-old Húska.
The expert does not blame the players for anything
The Slovaks matched the Swedes in speed and hardness. No visible difference was seen on the ice between the two opponents.
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At the end of the first period, the Slovaks even took the lead after Petr Cehlárik’s goal. It was his fourth goal in the tournament and he was again at the top of the Canadian scoring with a ninth point overall.
This time, however, his formation with Marek Hrivík and Róbert Lantoš was not so dangerous. They didn’t even succeed in powerlifting. Slovaks had up to five of them at their disposal.
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I had a lot of chances I threw away. I’m sad about that. If I scored goals, we could win and go to the quarterfinals.
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Juraj Slafkovský
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They didn’t use either. The Swedes were more dangerous in numerous advantages. The first goal was scored just after Cehlárik jumped from the penalty bench.
In the second goal, however, the Slovaks were locked in the defensive zone for ninety seconds. Not even the three blocked shots of the Fox helped.
The third goal was scored by the Swedes in the empty net during the Slovak power play. “I would not blame the players for anything. Nothing ends, “remarked RTVS expert Rastislav Konečný.
Slafkovský: I’m sorry for every chance
The most dangerous was the fourth Slovak formation consisting of Adam Liška, Dávid Buc and Juraj Slafkovský.
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“His goal is not judged,” admitted RTVS co-commentator Boris Valábik.
“I had a lot of chances I threw away. I’m sad about that. If I scored goals, we could win and go to the quarterfinals, “said Slafkovský.
The 17-year-old enjoyed the match. When he came to the substitution, his attack teammates praised him by tapping on his helmet.
However, when he threw away his best chance, he grabbed his head on the substitute and twisted it in disbelief. “I’m sorry for every chance a goal could have been,” he added.
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His tutor in the attack is Dávid Buc, who started the championship in the stands. In the last two matches, however, he gave a solid performance.
“Buc does a great job, although some people doubted his deployment,” says Konečný.
“Buc advises me and Liška. From match to match, I play better, I feel more comfortable on the ice, my teammates help me and I believe that I will show you something else, “Slafkovský sketched.
They still have it in their hands
The Slovaks played the second match in two days. The Swedes were free on Saturday, so in the end they could have a little more energy.
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“I did not feel tired. I don’t know how it was seen from the mountain. Now, however, we have to rest and prepare for the Czechs, “added the 17-year-old striker.
On Tuesday against the Czech Republic, Slovaks need at least a point for quarterly certainty. However, it can be seen that the Slovak team is set up victorious.
“We still have it in our hands, we have to win the match with the Czech Republic,” added Húska.
Russia, which plays with Sweden, can also help Slovaks on Monday.
If the Swedes do not win in regular time, the Slovaks have a certain quarterfinals, regardless of the result with the Czech Republic.
More about the World Hockey Championship
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