Czechs bounce US
Americans eliminated 3-2 in quarter-final shootout
PAVEL Francouz stopped all five shooters and Petr Koukal scored the shootout winner for the Czech Republic to eliminate the United States 3-2 in the men’s ice hockey quarter-finals at the Winter Olympic Games.
Jan Kovar and Tomas Kundratek scored in regulation time yesterday in PyeongChang for the Czechs, who had won their group and had a bye into the quarters.
The US looked fatigued after defeating Slovakia 5-1 to qualify for the quarter-finals and were outshot 29-20 by the Czechs.
Ryan Donato and Jim Slater scored for the US, who again were led by their youngest players, including speedster Troy Terry.
Goaltender Ryan Zapolski allowed three goals from 29 shots and one in the shootout, while Francouz stopped 18 in regulation and overtime.
“It’s tough when it comes down to the shootout,” US captain Brian Gionta said. “It’s tough to swallow.”
Koukal was the only player to score in overtime. Chris Bourque, Ryan Donato, Marc Arcobello, Terry and Bobby Butler couldn’t beat Francouz.
Just before the shootout, Sochi Olympics shootout hero TJ Oshie of the US tweeted his support for Terry, but Francouz was able to save a multiple-fake try by the University of Denver player.
“Sorry to let him down on that one. But the goalie made a good save,” Terry said.
Terry, at 6:20 in, gave the US a 1-0 lead. He sliced down the left wing and dished it to Donato, who used a double Czech screen to beat Francouz.
The goal was Donato’s fifth in five games, passing his father and Harvard coach Ted, who scored four for the US at the 1992 Olympics.
The Czechs tied it at 1 at 15:12 after winger Gionta lost the face-off clean and Jan Kolar gave it to Kovar, who beat Zapolski from long range with a screen in front.
With 35 seconds left in overtime, US defenceman Bobby Sanguinetti’s shot hit Francouz and sat in the crease, but the goalie covered up.
The Czechs face the winner of the Russia-Norway quarterfinal.