Shootout leads to shocking Norway hockey victory in Worlds

Norway has beaten Sweden for the first time in six decades at the 2011 World Ice Hockey Championship.

The Group C match lead was decided by a 5-4 shootout on Saturday in Slovakia. Regulation time saw one goal and one assist each from Anders Bastiansen, Per-Age Skroder and Morten Ask, whilst the game-winning goal in the extra round was scored by Mathis Olimb. 42 of 46 shots on goal were blocked by Lars Haugen.
Meanwhile, the Swedes were only able to squeeze 15 saves from goalie Erik Ersberg.

At the end of the first period Norway trailed Sweden 1-3, though was able to even-up the score in the second period thanks to a pair of successful power-play conversions. The third period produced a goal from each side before a scoreless overtime session. The penalty shootout saw Norway score twice whilst Sweden missed the mark on both of their shots.

Magnus Paajarvi said on behalf of Sweden via the World Ice Hockey Championship website: “We gave them a way to get into the game and let them score a couple of goals on chances we gave them,” according to Swedish news source The Local. He added: “That gave them momentum, and instead of taking over the game, we let them dominate the second period.”

The Norwegian captain, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, said simply that the historic victory was “the best.” He said to International Ice Hockey Federation officials: “I play in Sweden and know a lot of the guys. It’s a good rivalry.”

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