OLYMPICS: Sweden Put Stop to Slovenia's Dream Run
Sochi, 19 February - Sweden put on a clinic in the final period to stop Slovenia's dream run in the Olympic ice hockey tournament with a 5-0 win (1-0, 0-0, 4-0) in Wednesday's quarter-final in Sochi.
Sochi, Russia
Slovenia have been the biggest surprise of the ice hockey tournament at the Sochi Games.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA
A tired Slovenia was no match for the top-ranked team at the tournament in the final period, after keeping touch with the Swedes for the first 40 minutes.
Playing only a day after its historic win over Austria in the playoffs for the quarters, Slovenia stuck to its plan early on by not allowing easy opportunities to the Swedes.
While Sweden put pressure early only, Slovenia evened the balance of power after four minutes and held on all until Alexander Steen scored on the first power play of the match in the 19th minute.
Sweden continued to create more chances in the second period, but Slovenia's defence and goalie Robert Kristan held on to keep Slovenia in the hunt.
But any hopes of a miracle win against the powerful Swedes were dashed at the outset of the third period, as Daniel Sedin extended the lead to 2-0 in the 42nd minute.
Slovenia was on the back foot after that as tiredness set and Sweden took advantage of its opportunities to score three more goals in the 49th, 52nd and 56nd minute to put the match away.