U.S. hockey team not in medal round yet
TURIN, Italy — The world's biggest hockey nations all have spots in the Olympic quarterfinals — all but the U.S.
The Americans got closer on Sunday, just not by their doing.
Rick DiPietro made 24 saves against Sweden but it was just one too few to earn the point in the standings that would have clinched a place in the medal round. For the second straight day, the U.S. was beaten 2-1 and now has to wait until Tuesday to qualify for the quarters.
A win or tie against Russia in its final preliminary round game would do it — so would a Latvian loss or tie versus Kazakhstan. But even if the U.S. loses and Latvia wins, the goal differential would have to favor Latvia by 16 to knock out the Americans (1-2-1).
Latvia helped the U.S. chances by dropping a 9-2 decision to Russia. Kazakhstan lost all hope of catching the Americans with a 2-1 defeat to unblemished Slovakia (4-0).
The Slovaks can win Group B by beating Sweden on Tuesday after the men's tournament takes Monday off.
"I don't think many people expected this, but in a couple days it all starts from the beginning," Slovakia forward Marian Hossa said. "We are playing well defensively and the goaltenders are making the saves."
Stepping up their offense and getting in on their own would be a major boost for the Americans if they hope to create a stir in the medal round. The U.S. has scored only nine goals in four games, and four came in its lone win against Kazakhstan.
"We still believe we're a top echelon team and have a lot to prove," forward Doug Weight said.
Slovakia, Russia and Sweden are in the medal round from Group B and likely will be joined by the Americans. They will play crossover games with the Group A teams — Finland, Switzerland, Canada and the Czech Republic.
Finland clinched the top spot in Group A on Sunday by handing Canada its second straight 2-0 loss.
"For our country, it was a big win," Finland forward Olli Jokinen said. "It gives us some confidence. It's a good thing that we won our group, but when the quarterfinals start that's when it all matters."
The Czech Republic had Jaromir Jagr in the lineup, one night after he was bloodied by a check against the boards, and beat Italy 4-1. Jagr didn't play in the third period.
Team spokesman Pavel Barta said Sunday that Jagr did not have a concussion.
"He wanted to play tonight, but we did not need him to play the whole game against Italy," Barta said. "He just needs rest."
He'll get some Monday when the women's tournament wraps up. Canada will face Sweden for the gold and the U.S. will play Finland for the bronze.
