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HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — David Jiricek equalized with 39 seconds left in regulation, Jiri Kulich scored late in overtime and the Czech Republic beat Sweden 2-1 on Wednesday to advance to the world junior hockey title game.
The Czech Republic will face the winner of the nighttime semifinal between the USA and Canada. The Czechs reached the final for the first time since they won back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001.
Buffalo first-round pick Kulich fended off a penalty kick, cut from the right side to the opener and lifted the puck over goaltender Carl Lindbom’s right shoulder with 50 seconds left in the 10-minute overtime period.
In regulation with goalkeeper Tomas Suchanek off for an extra striker, Jiricek ripped a one-timer past Lindbom from the left point.
Suchanek made 21 saves and only allowed Ludvig Jansson’s goal in the second period. Lindbom stopped 29 shots.
Earlier on Wednesday, Latvia beat Austria 4-2 to sweep the best-of-three relegation series.