Czech Republic knocks out US men’s hockey team

The Czech Republic eliminated Team USA in men’s hockey Wednesday with a 3-2 shootout victory at the PyeongChang Olympics.

The Czechs will next play the winner of the Wednesday’s OAR-Norway quarterfinal game for a spot in the gold medal game.

Tied 2-2 after regulation, the game remained that way following 10 minutes of sudden-death overtime.

Petr Koukal, the Czech Republic’s second shooter during the resulting five-round shootout, got his shot past Team USA goalie Ryan Zapolski. With no other shooters getting it in the net, Koukal’s goal held up for the win.

Pavel Francouz saved 18 of 20 shots in regulation and OT and five more shots in the shootout for the Czech Republic.

Zapolski stopped 26 of 28 shots during the game before allowing Koukal’s game-winning goal.

Ryan Donato opened the game’s scoring for Team USA at the 6:20 mark of the first period with his fifth goal of the Olympics. Troy Terry assisted on the even-strength goal.

The Czechs responded just under nine minutes later, with Jan Kolar scoring to tie up the game, and then took the lead in the second period on a goal from Tomas Kundratek.

Jim Slater provided the evener for the Americans two minutes later with a short-handed goal at the 30:23 mark, getting an assist by Brian O’Neill.