Slovaks edge Norway in play-in game

In another thrilling play in game that was supposed to be nothing more than a cakewalk for the heavily favored Slovaks, the Norwegians made sure they didn't go away quietly. Despite being outshot 40-19, Norway managed to net 3 goals of their own, and actually had this game tied heading into the decisive third period.

Slovakia jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on a pair of powerplay goals from Michal Handzus and Marian Gaborik while Norway served a five minute major penalty handed down to Ole-Kristian Tollefsen for intent to injure. Mats Zuccarello Aasen drew Norway within one with a goal of his own, but Richard Zednik took advantage of another Norwegian penalty and gave the Slovaks a 3-1 lead to take into the 1st intermission.

Pal Grotenus came up big for Norway in the 2nd, stopping all 13 Slovak shots, and his team responded, scoring 2 goals of their own to knot the game at 3 after 40 minutes. New fan favorite Tore Vikingstad (he's got my vote for best name in the tournament) scored at 7:27 of the period, and captain Tommy Jakobsen evened the game with less than 4 minutes remaining in the 2nd.

The 3rd period was very evenly matched, and Norway actually outshot Slovakia 7-6. Miroslav Satan had the only shot that mattered, however, beating Grotenus at 8:41 of the 3rd, giving Halak all the cushion he would need to backstop the Slovaks to a quarterfinal matchup with the Swedes.