Olympic hockey update (2/18)

The Czech Republic defeated once countrymen Slovakia 3-1 behind goals from Patrik Elias, Jaromir Jagr, and Tomas Plekanec.  New York Ranger Marian Gaborik scored for Slovakia.

Jagr was the story fro the Czech's scoring the game winning tying goal and setting up the game winner.  Despite having to get used to the speed and pace of NHL players again, since Jagr plays in the KHL, you couldn't tell he struggled at all.

"No, it was tough for me," he said, grinning. "I felt like a soldier in Iraq for the first 20 minutes. Things were coming at me so fast from every direction. It's different hockey. I've got to get used to it again."

Tomas Vokoun fought back 35 shots from Slovakia to preserve the win for the Czechs. Caps Tomas Fleischmann played, but did not record a point.

Sweden shutout Germany 2-0.  The defending goal medal champs got goals from Mattias Ohlund and Loui Eriksson both coming in the second period to lead the Swedes.  The story though was Swedish goal and New York Ranger Henrik Luindqvist.  Lundqvist stopped all 21 shots including an 11 shot barrage in the third period to preserve the Swedish shutout and lift the Swedes to 1-0.

Cap Nicklas Backstrom has an assist and was a +1.  The Line oif Backstrom, Loui Eriksson, and Daniel Alfedsson was the most impressive for the defending champs, utilizing great chemistry and speed.  Count Alfredsson as one impressed with playing alongside Nicklas Backstrom.

Read more at

http://dcprosportsreport.com/articles/washington-capitals/olympic-hockey-update-218.html