Shocka!

Slovakia beats Russia in a seven-round shoot-out!  In back-to-back games... after losing a hard fought match to the Czech Republic last evening... Slovakia comes back to tie tonight's game in the third period at 1 - 1 and then Jozef Stumpel and Pavol Demitra (in the pic at left) score in the shootout for the win. 

A most impressive performance by the Slovaks, especially goalie Jaroslav Halak and their defensive unit.  But that's not to take anything away from their offense, who put 33 shots on goal to the Russians' 37.  That last number says a lot, given the high-powered nature of the Russian offense.

Color me both surprised AND impressed.  Slovakia just might be the Dark Horse of these Olympic games.