HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — David Jiricek tied it with 39 seconds left in regulation, Jiri Kulich scored late in overtime and the Czech Republic stunned Sweden 2-1 on Wednesday to advance to the world junior hockey title game.
The Czech Republic will face the winner of the night semifinal between the United States and Canada. The Czechs reached the final for the first time since winning back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001.
Buffalo first-rounder Kulich averted a shootout, cutting from the right side to the slot and lifting the puck over goalie Carl Lindbom’s right shoulder with 50 seconds left in the 10-minute extra period.
In regulation with goalie Tomas Suchanek off for an extra attacker, Jiricek ripped a one-timer past Lindbom from the left point.
Suchanek made 21 saves, allowing only Ludvig Jansson’s second-period goal. Lindbom stopped 29 shots.
Earlier Wednesday, Latvia beat Austria 4-2 to sweep the best-of-three relegation series.