The Ukrainian national hockey team played its second qualifying match for the 2026 Olympics. After the victory over South Korea, the opponent was the favorite of the group, the Polish national team, with whom Ukrainian hockey players play very poorly and cannot win in 15 meetings in a row. Not long ago, these teams played together in Division 1B of the World Cup, and the Poles will start the 2024 World Cup in the elite.
I was immediately surprised by the coaching staff’s decision to start goalkeeper Bogdan Dyachenko, although goalkeeper Eduard Zakharchenko looked great in the first meeting.
In the opening period, Poland scored one goal and looked much more dangerous, while the Ukrainians created only one chance when they had a numerical advantage – Deniskin did not use his chance.
Ukraine started the second period very quickly and created more chances in a few minutes than in the first 20 minutes. In the end, the score was leveled by Borodai, who skillfully tucked the puck into the goal. It is a pity that after this the Ukrainians were unable to realize two majorities in a row. In such matches this is very important, and although the team rolled the puck well in the zone, it did not reach a serious threat. Unfortunately, even with equal strengths, Ukraine did not take advantage of two good chances, but the enemy scored in a counterattack with almost the first shot of the period. A good period, but we missed our opportunities.
The beginning of the third period – and again Ukraine’s brisk start brought a goal. During a quick attack, Ratushny made a simple shot from mid-range, but the Polish goalkeeper did not see the puck and let it into the goal. The third 20 minutes passed in an equal fight, perhaps with a slight advantage for the Ukrainians, but again the execution let us down. Fortunately, the Poles didn’t score theirs, so the match went into overtime.
The 3 vs 3 overtime did not bring any goals, although the Ukrainian team had interesting chances. The meeting went into a shootout series, where the Ukrainians were stronger.
In the last round, the Poles will play against South Korea, and Dmitry Khristich’s team will complete this stage of the Olympic selection on February 11 with a match against Estonia. Success guarantees Ukraine victory in the group and access to the next stage of selection.
Olympic selection, group stage
Poland – Ukraine 2:3 (shootout) (1:0, 1:1, 0:1, 0:0, 0:1)
Pucks: 07:15 Frazhko (Pasiut) – 1:0, 22:22 Borodai (Grebenik, Korenchuk) – 1:1, 33:45 Koluz (Dzyubinski) – 2:1, 43:43 Ratushny (Korenchuk, Cholac) – 2:2
Goalkeepers: Miarka – Dyachenko
1. Ukraine – 5
2. Poland – 4
3. South Korea – 3
4. Estonia – 0
2024-02-09 21:46:00
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