PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech Republic produced a three-goal second period as it downed Sweden 7-3 and advanced to the final of the ice hockey world championship on Saturday for the first time since 2010.
Forward Dominik Kubalik and Lukas Sedlak scored two goals apiece and added an assist each, while forward Martin Necas had a four-point game with a goal and three assists.
David Kampf and Ondrej Kase had a goal and an assist each for the Czechs and goaltender Lukas Dostal stopped 36 shots in front of the roaring home fans at Prague Arena.
The Czechs next face defending champion Canada or Switzerland, who play later on Saturday.
“I play my best game when I enjoy myself at a game and here I’m enjoying it for 110%,” Necas said. “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.”