Germany was widely expected to finish second to the U.S. in Group C of this Olympic hockey tournament, which would send it directly to the quarterfinals — but instead, the Germans are now likely facing an added playoff game to get there thanks to an upset loss to Latvia yesterday.
With the game tied 2-2 in the third period, Germany seemed in good position to take the lead after a penalty on Latvia set up a German power play. But not only did Latvia kill the power play, but scored just 16 seconds after the kill thanks to Eduards Tralmaks of the Detroit Red Wings. Renārs Krastenbergs, who plays professionally in the Czech Republic, added on to make it a 4-2 Latvia lead. A late Tim Stützle goal after Germany pulled its goalie wasn’t enough, and Latvia secured the stunning 4-3 win.