Brilliant! Slovan defeats CSKA Moscow!

CSKA Moskva – HC SLOVAN Bratislava 0:2 (0:0, 0:1, 0:0)

Goals: 24. Viedenský (Skokan), 60. Paré (Surový)

Lineups:
CSKA: Galimov – Zajtsev, Kiselevich, Denisov, Naumenkov, Panin, Sergeyev, Pivtsakin – Kugryshev, Murshak, Radulov – Platt, Andronov, Mamin – Pihlström, Zharkov, Korotkov – Lyubimov, Kvartalnov, Yunkov, Kuzmenko
HC SLOVAN: Garnett – Luža, Starosta, Sersen, Barker, Valach, Mihálik, Kozák – Jeglič, Tičar, Nagy – Surový, Bartovič, Paré – Skokan, Viedenský, Miklík – Skalický, Lušňák, Kašpar

The Sky Blues concentrated on careful defence in the first period, attempting to contain the opposition's star forwards, and it worked. The home team may have had 17 shots at Garnett, but none of them found the net. Alexander Radulov's attack caused the most trouble in front of goal, giving the Slovan defenders the run-around on a number of occasions. Kugryshev failed from the left circle in the 14th minute, while Pihlstöm spurned the biggest chance, unable to lift the puck over Garnett's pad from up close. Slovan did make some impact in a powerplay, with Sersen and Barker firing off strong shots.

Slovan started the second period with a shortened powerplay, but failed to create any chances. However, in the 24th minute, Skokan broke down the wing and shot. The rebound fell to Marek Viedenský, and his shot was hard and accurate – 0:1. The hosts then upped the tempo, but were unable to find a way past the reliable Garnett. Murshak did have a major chance, as did Radulov soon after, but he shot into the players in front of him.

The final period continued in the same vein, with the home team putting pressure on Slovan, who watchfully protected their slender lead. In the 46th minute, Murshak tried his luck with the backhand, then Radulov got through to Garnett, but both came away empty-handed. A speculative flick half-way through the period threatened the visitors. Andronov had a grand opportunity, and sent Garnett the wrong way, but his aim let him down. Cam Barker's dismissal a few minutes later went equally unpunished, and then Slovan dedicated themselves to solid defending. CSKA pulled the goalie late in the game, and Paré was able to grab a late second goal for Slovan - 0:2!

Miloš Říha: We put in a responsible, disciplined performance from start to finish against a really strong opponent, and that was supported by a strong performance from Michael Garnett in goal.