Latvians Topple Russia, Undefeated Slovaks Roll On

In one of hockey's most heated rivalries, Latvia, part of the former Soviet Union, held the favored Russians scoreless for two periods in some exciting wide-open hockey. Leonids Tambijevs then stunned the Russians with a goal just 15 seconds into the final period to send the mainly pro-Latvian crowd into a frenzy. But Russia put most back in their seats when Los Angeles Kings wing Alexander Frolov tied the game 33 seconds later. The game appeared headed for a tie when Vadims Romanovskis blasted a shot high past Egor Podomatsky with just over eight minutes to play. The win keeps Latvia's slim hopes of a quarter-final berth alive while the Russians are now likely to finish third behind Canada, who they play on Monday, and Group E leaders Sweden. In Helsinki, reigning champion Slovakia had an easy time with Austria. Los Angeles Kings forward Zigmund Palffy added three points to keep his lead as the tournament's leading scorer as seven different players found the back of the net.