…oh darn. Sami Lepisto scores in overtime to knock the United States out of the Worlds, even after Kessel and Stafford scored 37 seconds apart to keep them alive. A tidy sixth-place finish. That’s four years in a row the U.S. has not won its quarterfinal game.
But we’ll come back to that. Over in Wilkes-Barre, a weird night… Sitting in the office, I peeked in on the box score around when I figured the first period would be over, and there it was, still going on — with a note that Francois St. Laurent had left injured. Best wishes for his quick recovery. Dean Morton, available only by travel fluke, came on and called few power plays. (Shocker.) Couple of third-period goals — one past J.S. Aubin, one not — and the Pens have the lead.
Back in Canada, Finland goes on to play Russia, which never let Switzerland in the game. Coupla points for Grebeshkov. Thought I heard a nation moaning for a few minutes at a time this afternoon, but after Norway tied it a couple of times, Canada survived and thrived. Canada plays Sweden; after ex-Beast Marcus Nilson tied it late, Mattias Weinhandl scores at 3:15 of overtime, and Sweden survives the Czechs 3-2. Couple of semi-local goalies: Henrik Lundqvist (29 saves) beats Milan Hnilicka (28).
Paul noted in the comments, maybe, eurohockey’s note that Alain Nasreddine is supposed to be going to Nurnberg next year. The Ice Tigers’ Web site doesn’t say so yet, but eurohockey’s usually pretty right on.
Jason Pitton’s brother Bryan signed with Edmonton.
Worked the desk tonight. It’s always funny how many coaches, when you ask them to spell that kid’s name, will assume you meant “Mary” and not “(long and involved Dutch or Slavic name).” Of course, the “Mary” you don’t ask about will be a Mari…