Former Boston Bruins forward David Krejci scored the lone goal of the shootout as the Czech Republic beat Switzerland 2-1 in Olympic men’s hockey action on Friday in Beijing.
Krejci, who returned home to play in the Czech league this season after 15 years with the Bruins, beat Swiss goalie Andres Ambuhl on his team’s first shootout attempt.
The Czech Republic improved to 1-1 after a 2-1 loss to Denmark in its opener.
Switzerland is now 0-2 following a 1-0 defeat to Russia in its first game.
Jiri Smejkal also scored for the Czech Republic, while former Edmonton Oiler Gaetan Haas replied for the Swiss.
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Russia 2, Denmark 0
The good news for the defending champion Russians is they have not allowed a goal in two games. The bad news is they have scored only three. So while the Russians are 2-0, coach Alexei Zhamnov told the IIHF’s website he is not happy with how the team is playing offensively. Goalie Ivan Fedotov made 16 saves for his second shutout in a row. Pavel Karnaukhov and Kirill Semyonov, with an empty-netter, scored for the Russians. Denmark (1-1) is making its Olympic debut.
Sweden 4, Slovakia 1
Sweden (2-0) scored three goals in the first period and never looked back. Swedish goalie Magnus Hellberg, making his first start, stopped 34 shots. Slovakia’s lone goal was scored by 17-year-old Juraj Slafkovsky, his third of the tournament. Slafkovsky is a top prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft. Former Calgary Flame Joakim Nordstrom and Max Friberg each had a goal and an assist for Sweden.
Finland 3, Latvia 1
Finland (2-0) set up a first-place showdown with rival Sweden in Group C with a win over Latvia. Former Toronto Maple Leaf Leo Komarov broke a 1-1 tie late in the third. Finland outshot Latvia 38-20.
Saturday schedule
Canada vs. United States, 11:10 p.m. ET (Friday)
Germany vs. China, 3:40 a.m.
Russia vs. Czech Republic, 8:10 a.m.
Denmark vs. Switzerland, 8:10 a.m.
Saturday spotlight
All eyes will be on the Canada-U.S. game with the winner moving into first in Group B. Group A, with Russia on top, wraps up play later in the day.
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