Canada and Sweden Keep Rolling in World Cup Play

They showed plenty of speed and some nice playmaking. But Canada's win over Slovakia on Wednesday was also a product of rigorous checking and lots of grunt work along the boards. The Canadians' 5-2 win guarantees them home ice in the quarterfinal. But another injury on defense leaves the team stretched thin on the blueline.

Meanwhile, the Swedes looked unbeatable for 40 minutes against the Czech Republic. But the Czechs awoke in the third period and made a game of it, suggesting that perhaps they are finally ready to start the tournament.

As they did against the Americans, Canada started quick against Slovakia. Joe Thornton and Ryan Smyth scored before the game was five minutes old. But the Slovaks caught their breath, forced Martin Brodeur to make several excellent saves, and appeared up to the challenge.

After the first period, however, the Canadians grew stronger. Snagging a turnover, Martin St. Louis fed Simon Gagne to make it 3-0 in the second, while Jarome Iginla had several good chances. St. Louis and Smyth added late goals. Martin Cibak scored for Slovakia.

Though utterly overmatched in this game, it would be unfair to label the Slovaks international also-rans. The forward crew has had a terrible run of luck coming into the tournament, losing Peter Bondra, Zigmund Palffy and Michal Handzus to injuries. Richard Zednik missed the game because of food poisoning.

The only bad news for Canada: a shoulder injury to defenseman Wade Redden. The severity of it is not yet known. Ed Jovanovski is lost for the rest of the tournament with injuries suffered on Tuesday against the U.S. That means Jay Bouwmeester steps into the defense for Saturday's game against Russia.

In Stockholm, the Sweden-Czech Republic game began with reports of turmoil among the Czechs. After Monday's dismal loss to Finland, scoring star Milan Hejduk was scratched from the lineup. CBC announcers reported that the players were unhappy with the decision and unhappy with the coach. Jaromir Jagr was apparently talking about going home.

For much of the game, the Czechs played like a team that wanted to go home. Sweden cruised to a 4-0 lead on goals by Peter Forsberg, Fred Modin, Mattias Ohlund and Henrik Zetterberg.

A gritty third period from the Czech Republic was somewhat unexpected. For the first time in the tournament they looked like potential champions, outshooting Sweden 18-2 and pulling close on goals by Martin Rucinsky, Marek Zidlicky and Patrik Elias.

It was a wild finish, as the Czechs pushed for the tying goal. But Sweden hung on for the 4-3 win.

Thursday's Games:
1:00 pm ET: Finland at Germany
7:00 pm ET: Russia at USA

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