Latvia came out second best against the Czech Republic as they dropped
to 2-2 for the tournament and face an uphill battle to make the
quarter-finals because of their remaining fixtures.
After the 6-3 defeat to the Czechs, Latvia sit in fifth spot in the Group B standings but with unbeaten Russia and reigning champions Sweden still to come, they will have to pull off at least one shock result to progress.
If Latvia are to achieve that, they will need to hope Rudolfs Balcers carries on his fine form which has seen him score one goal and provide six assists in the competition to rank in the top 15 players in terms of points.
RUSSIA
Russia swept Italy aside as expected to maintain their 100% start to the 2019 IIHF World Championships and although you cannot take a great deal from that match alone, the Russians look a strong contender.
The triumph over the Italians in which they won 10-0 saw the Russians complete their third shutout victory in a row with their defence taking some penetrating as the Czech Republic and Austria can quantify.
Nikita Kucherov and Nikita Gusev have been two of the stars of the competition so far with Kucherov scoring three goals and providing seven assists whilst Gusev has also chipped in with two goals and six assists.
THE PREDICTION
Russia were far too good for Italy in their last match and despite all-but ensuring they progress to the quarter-finals, they can make sure of it with a win over Latvia. The Russians will be looking for a fourth straight shutout victory as they bid to maintain their 100% record. They have done a solid job in both attack and defence and whilst Latvia are capable of causing a few problems, the gulf in quality will be evident again here with Russia earning another win.
The annual IIHF Ice Hockey World championships kick off tomorrow (May 10) in Slovakia, and the Czech Republic has a tough draw to open the tournament.
Two-time defending world champions Sweden will meet the Czech Republic tomorrow night in Bratislava as the 2019 tournament officially gets underway. Sweden dominated the 2017 and 2018 IIHF tournaments, and is considered a favorite in this year’s edition.
Last year, Sweden topped the Czech Republic 3-2 during the opening qualifying round.
The Czech Republic is in Group B qualifying play in 2019, with seven matchups against Sweden, Norway, Russia, Latvia Italy, Austria, and Switzerland on the schedule in Bratislava through May 21.
Group A, comprised of the United States, Canada, Germany, Finland, Slovakia, Denmark, France, and Great Britain, will play in Košice.
Should the Czech Republic place in the top four teams in Group B, they’ll advance to the quarterfinal playoffs against top teams from Group A beginning on May 23. The final and bronze medal games will be held in Bratislava on May
After the 6-3 defeat to the Czechs, Latvia sit in fifth spot in the Group B standings but with unbeaten Russia and reigning champions Sweden still to come, they will have to pull off at least one shock result to progress.
If Latvia are to achieve that, they will need to hope Rudolfs Balcers carries on his fine form which has seen him score one goal and provide six assists in the competition to rank in the top 15 players in terms of points.
RUSSIA
Russia swept Italy aside as expected to maintain their 100% start to the 2019 IIHF World Championships and although you cannot take a great deal from that match alone, the Russians look a strong contender.
The triumph over the Italians in which they won 10-0 saw the Russians complete their third shutout victory in a row with their defence taking some penetrating as the Czech Republic and Austria can quantify.
Nikita Kucherov and Nikita Gusev have been two of the stars of the competition so far with Kucherov scoring three goals and providing seven assists whilst Gusev has also chipped in with two goals and six assists.
THE PREDICTION
Russia were far too good for Italy in their last match and despite all-but ensuring they progress to the quarter-finals, they can make sure of it with a win over Latvia. The Russians will be looking for a fourth straight shutout victory as they bid to maintain their 100% record. They have done a solid job in both attack and defence and whilst Latvia are capable of causing a few problems, the gulf in quality will be evident again here with Russia earning another win.
The annual IIHF Ice Hockey World championships kick off tomorrow (May 10) in Slovakia, and the Czech Republic has a tough draw to open the tournament.
Two-time defending world champions Sweden will meet the Czech Republic tomorrow night in Bratislava as the 2019 tournament officially gets underway. Sweden dominated the 2017 and 2018 IIHF tournaments, and is considered a favorite in this year’s edition.
Last year, Sweden topped the Czech Republic 3-2 during the opening qualifying round.
The Czech Republic is in Group B qualifying play in 2019, with seven matchups against Sweden, Norway, Russia, Latvia Italy, Austria, and Switzerland on the schedule in Bratislava through May 21.
Group A, comprised of the United States, Canada, Germany, Finland, Slovakia, Denmark, France, and Great Britain, will play in Košice.
Should the Czech Republic place in the top four teams in Group B, they’ll advance to the quarterfinal playoffs against top teams from Group A beginning on May 23. The final and bronze medal games will be held in Bratislava on May
