Ice Hockey: Czech Republic beats Finland in world championship’s preliminary match

The reigning world champions Czech Republic beat Finland 2-1 in their final preliminary match in Group D on Wednesday evening, at the world championships in ice hockey in Slovakia. Milan Michalek and Jaromír Jágr both scored for the Czechs, who had to fight off a number of power plays by the Finnish squad. Goalie Ondřej Pavalec almost earned his second consecutive shutout. He allowed a goal only in the final minute, after the Finns had pulled their goalie to allow an extra man on the ice. The Czech team finished top in Group D with full points and will play Slovakia on Friday.