Savchenko’s long-range strike highlight of Hockey World Championship Day 2
The action on the ice was observed by capacity Russian crowds on Day 2 of the Hockey World Championships on Saturday, with a long-range strike the highlight.
Roman Savchenko of Kazakhstan scored from behind his own blue line as his team recorded a 3-2 win over Switzerland, with the incredible strike the difference between the sides.
Kazakhstan head coach Andrei Nazarov said his side overcame nerves to win.
"We were nervous from the start as last year we didn't play in elite division,” he said.
"Of course we've been a bit lucky when Roman produced a kind of a miracle scoring from the far blue line but after that my guys spread their wings."
The competition in Russia started Friday, with Canada smashing the United States and the hosts disappointingly going down 3-0 to Czech Republic.
Saturday’s action saw 34 goals scored in six exciting games in Moscow and St Petersburg.
In Russia’s Group A, the Czech Republic reiterated their intentions with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Latvia.
Montreal Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec was a driving force for the victors, scoring twice, while the game finished 3-3 after overtime.
Tomas Plekanec with 2 goals to help @narodnitym beat @lhf_lv 4-3 in SO. RT to celebrate the win. #IIHFWorldspic.twitter.com/Jo6HF1GPUo
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 7, 2016
The Czech Republic’s Lukas Kaspar scored his shootout attempt to confirm his nation’s victory.
Elsewhere in Group A, Denmark overcame their Scandinavian rivals Norway 3-0 in the sides’ first outings at the tournament.
In Group B, the United States made amends for their defeat to Canada by hammering Belarus 6-3 at Yubileiny Sports Palace.
Big night for @A_Matthews34 with two goals. RT if you think he'll help get @usahockey a championship #IIHFWorldspic.twitter.com/fPtuhI0twJ
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 7, 2016
Auston Matthews hit a brace for the victorious side, while Miles Wood, Chris Wideman, Dylan Larkin and Noah Hanfin all found the net in victory.
Slovakia started their campaign with a strong performance, beating Hungary 4-1 to catch attention.
France needed a shootout winner to defeat Germany 3-2, with Damien Fleury the man to hand his team victory.
In a hard-fought battle between co-hosts of 2017 #IIHFWorlds, France beat Germany 3-2 in SO. https://t.co/ynPfFkwagzpic.twitter.com/aIX46raaNA
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 7, 2016
The lead changed hands on a number of occasions, with the Germans coming back from a goal down to lead 2-1, before Valentin Claireaux levelled at 2-2 shortly before the second break.
Sunday’s action sees Russia back on the ice as they entertain Kazakhstan, with the hosts looking to get their campaign back on track and record their first win of the competition.
Other Group A clashes see Denmark and Sweden go head-to-head, while Norway and Switzerland will also square off.
In Group B, Canada will look to add to their momentum with victory over Hungary, while Finland and Germany will cross sticks. The action culminates with France taking on Slovakia.
