The Czech Republic had a big second period, scoring three goals to beat Sweden 7-3 and move on to the final of the ice hockey world championship for the first time since 2010.
Dominik Kubalik and Lukas Sedlak each scored two goals and assisted on another, while Martin Necas had a great game with one goal and three assists.
David Kampf and Ondrej Kase also scored for the Czech team, and goalie Lukas Dostal made 36 saves in front of the loud home crowd at Prague Arena. Next, the Czechs will play either Canada or Switzerland in the final.
Necas said, “I play my best game when I enjoy myself at a game and here I’m enjoying it for 110%.” He added, “It was always my dream to play a semifinal and final in front of the Czech fans. But it’s not a job done, not yet. We have the most important match ahead of us tomorrow and we need to be ready.”
Necas made history by being the first player since Canada’s Luc Robitaille in 1994 to score four points in the semifinal of the tournament.
Marcus Johansson, Marcus Pettersson, and Joel Eriksson scored for Sweden, ending their eight-game winning streak in the tournament.
Pettersson said, “We felt like we had some opportunities but it’s tough when you give up so many goals.”
The Czechs took a 5-2 lead in the second period after being tied at 2-2. Kase’s goal was the first time Sweden trailed in the tournament.
