Latvia had a big win over Germany, 4-3. Germany had all their NHL talent on the ice for the final two minutes of the game, but they couldn’t get the job done. Latvia got its first Olympic hockey win in 12 years! Here’s what I saw.
- Arturs Silovs was the difference. I said he was their best option, and he showed it. He made some big saves in the second period when Latvia charged back in this game. Side note, Leon Draisaitl was icing his pinky in this period, and later in the game was missing that zip on his shot. He still got a late assist, but he’s hurting, and that hurt Germany.
- Dans Locmelis (Bruins prospect) had two goals. His second power play goal was a true snipe that tied the game at 2-2, and that gave Latvia hope. He has 15 goals with the Providence Bruins this season. That’s his reward for grinding it out.
- Alberts Smits had his snarl going. He crunched Germany’s Frederick Tiffels, and that hurt him. He was in distress on the bench. Later in the game, he won a big puck battle in the corner, and that set up the dagger, the goal from Renars Krastenbergs that gave them the important 4-2 lead.
- Zemgus Girgensons (had two primary assists) set up a nice breakaway goal from Eduards Tralmaks (Grand Rapids Griffins) that went past Philipp Grubauer and into the back of the net. That made the score 3-2 at the time, but as luck would have it, they really needed that fourth goal.
- Latvia’s penalty kill made some big plays and had an odd man short-handed rush. The third goal was scored right after a kill, which gave the team some needed energy.
Latvians will celebrate this win for years to come.
