Germany Edges Kazakhstan In 2014 Ice Hockey World Championship Opener

Igor Burdetskiy May 10, 2014

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MINSK, BELARUS - MAY 10: Kazakhstan's Vitali Yeremeyev #31 watches this puck cross the line as Germany tied the game at 1-1 on a goal by Matthias Plachta #22 during preliminary round action at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

In a opening game that favored the Germans but just as easily could see an upset from the hands of Kazakhstan made for an entertaining matchup that went the full distance earlier today. Kazakhstan opened up the scoring at the 10:08 mark of the first period with a tip in goal from Andrei Gavrilin by Germany netminder Rob Zepp. Although Kazakhstan only managed four shots in the early frame of the game, Germany on the other hand pestered Kazakhstan netminder Vitaliy Yeremeyev with 16 shots. Matthias Piachta ripped a slapshot late in the first period for Germany to knot the game up even at a goal a piece.

Both teams were revved up and exchanging great scoring chances in the second period as well as the third but ultimately needed extra time to settle the game. However, even with Germany applying constant pressure through a five minute overtime, Kazakhstan managed to hold on and let a shootout determine the game. In the shootout tied at 1-1 with goals by Alexander Barta and Dmtri Upper, found Germany’s hero Thomas Oppenheimer who went on to score on Germany’s final shot to give the German’s a 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan.

With the shootout victory, Germany picked up two points meanwhile Kazakhstan picked up one point for the shootout loss. A game like this in essence may either help Kazakhstan due to them picking up a point or end up hurting Germany as they failed to pick up all three points by not winning in regulation. Only time will tell as the tournament continues but just two days in and plenty of upsets and exciting games have already been played here in host nation Belarus.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!