BRATISLAVA, May 11 (Reuters) - A hat-trick by Jaromir Jagr led Czech Republic to a 4-0 win over a young United States team on Wednesday, earning the holders a place in the semi-finals of the world ice hockey championship.
The former Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers winger recorded his first treble for the Czechs while Tomas Plekanec of the Montreal Canadiens also netted.
Jagr put the champions in front with a slap shot late in the first period and pounced on an assist by Plekanec to make it 2-0 after 25 minutes.
Plekanec added a third goal before Jagr completed the rout with four minutes to go.
Netminder Ondrej Pavelec shone for the Czechs as the Americans had 29 shots on goal.
"I don't think we played that well," Jagr told reporters. "It looked like we were tired and we skated less."
The U.S. were left to reflect on a wasted opportunity when they had a 5-3 powerplay in the first period.
"It's a disappointment. We had a good team and I think we played better today," said captain Mark Stuart.
"He (Jagr) has still got it. He is hard to play against and is still playing at the top level.
Sweden face Germany in the second quarter-final later on Wednesday.
The former Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers winger recorded his first treble for the Czechs while Tomas Plekanec of the Montreal Canadiens also netted.
Jagr put the champions in front with a slap shot late in the first period and pounced on an assist by Plekanec to make it 2-0 after 25 minutes.
Plekanec added a third goal before Jagr completed the rout with four minutes to go.
Netminder Ondrej Pavelec shone for the Czechs as the Americans had 29 shots on goal.
"I don't think we played that well," Jagr told reporters. "It looked like we were tired and we skated less."
The U.S. were left to reflect on a wasted opportunity when they had a 5-3 powerplay in the first period.
"It's a disappointment. We had a good team and I think we played better today," said captain Mark Stuart.
"He (Jagr) has still got it. He is hard to play against and is still playing at the top level.
Sweden face Germany in the second quarter-final later on Wednesday.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire