NAGANO, Japan - The Czech Republic scored three goals in the second period and used a 38-save performance from goaltender Dominik Hasek to defeat the United States, 4-1, in the quarterfinal round of the XVIII Olympic Winter Games men's ice hockey tournament here Wednesday afternoon.
The Czech Republic, which improved to 3-1-0 overall in the Olympic tournament, advances to Friday's semifinal round to meet the winner of the Canada-Kazakhstan quarterfinal. The United States fell to 1-3-0 overall and was eliminated from Olympic competition.
The United States built a 1-0 lead at 16:12 of the first period when forward Mike Modano (Dallas Stars/Livonia, Mich.) worked a backhand shot from close range past Hasek. Modano's goal, his second of the Olympic tournament, was set-up by a cross-ice feed from forward Tony Amonte (Chicago Blackhawks/Hingham, Mass.) and a second assist from forward Keith Tkachuk (Phoenix Coyotes/Melrose, Mass.).
The Czech Republic tied the game at 8:21 of the second period when forward Vladimir Ruzicka stuffed a rebound past U.S. goaltender Mike Richter (New York Rangers/Abington, Pa.). Ruzicka's goal, his third of the Olympic tournament, was assisted by forwards Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka. Ruzicka's goal was followed just :58 later by a goal from Jagr, who scored on a wrist shot from between the circles.
The Czechs moved ahead 3-1 at 16:35 of the second period when forward Martin Rucinsky registered his third goal of the Olympic tournament on a shot from beyond the left face-off circle. Forward Jiri Dopita added an unassisted goal with :39 remaining in the third period to make the final score 4-1.
The United States held a sizable, 39-19 advantage in shots on goal, including 15 shots in the third period. Richter registered 14 saves for Team USA in suffering his third loss of the XVIII Olympic Winter Games.
SCORING SUMMARY
Team Czech Republic 0 3 1 4
Team USA 1 0 0 1
First period -- Scoring: 1, USA, Modano (Amonte, Tkachuk), 16:12. Penalties: Hejduk, CZE (interference), 2:39; Roenick, USA (hooking), 11:43; Suter, USA (high sticking), 13:34.
Second period -- Scoring: 2, CZE, Ruzicka (Jagr, Straka), 8:21. 3, CZE, Jagr (Dopita), 9:19. 4, CZE, Rucinsky (Lang, Smehlik), 16:35. Penalties: Tkachuk, USA (high sticking), 9:28; Slegr, CZE (holding), 11:37; Slegr, CZE (holding), 19:13.
Third period -- Scoring: 5, CZE, Dopita (unassisted), 19:21. Penalties: Amonte, USA (charging), 6:36.
Shots on goal USA 10-14-15 39. CZE 5-8-6 19.
Goalies Richter, USA (18 shots, 14 saves), Vanbiesbrouck (1 shot, 1 saves). Hasek, CZE (39 shots, 38 saves).
Attendance 9,822.