Menu Close
More Close
Report

Slovakia begins title defence with win over India

1. 6. 2017 | Derek OBrien
Slovakia outshot India 15-10 in the first period and outscored them 3-1, then played solid defence the rest of the way in a physical contest to begin their title defence against maybe the biggest threat they´ll receive in the group stage. After the teams traded goals just 21 seconds apart, Patrik Svitana scored the winning goal in the 9th minute and Matus Liptak assisted on two Slovak goals. Stanislav Petrik stopped 30 of 31 shots in the Slovak net and was especially strong over the last two periods as India tried to put on the pressure. In the Indian goal, Deepe Toor was also solid, stopping a penalty shot in the first period and keeping his team within striking distance.
 

Reactions

Jozef Ďuris (head coach, Team Slovakia): We were prepared for the game because we knew we were facing a strong opponent. We played the first period accordingly, exactly the way we needed to. Over the rest of the game, India pressured more and increased the pace, but I still think our team was in control. If we had been able to capitalize on more of our chances, it would have been better, but otherwise we’re happy.

George Chanal (assistant coach, Team India): Slovakia is one of the better teams so we knew that it was going to be a tough game, and there were a lot of penalties and power plays both ways. The Slovakian team capitalized on some of their chances early and we didn’t. We struggled a bit early, not playing our game, but I think we got better as the game went on but got some unlucky bounces and their goalie made some great saves.