Australia stage last-minute comeback to defeat China 3-2 at IIHF Worlds

The Mighty Roos have pulled off a dramatic comeback victory against China, scoring two late goals in the last 9 minutes to win 3-2 and book themselves a date with Croatia to play for the gold medal.

Joey Rezek was the hero for Australia with two goals in the third period including the game-winner, as China led at every stage until a dramatic collapse in the closing stages of regulation.

The winless China, who will be competing at the Winter Olympics in just three years time in Beijing, stunned the Australian side with relentless pressure from the drop of the puck. The Chinese did a great job of taking time and space away from the Aussies, resulting in a frustrating first period for the Roos.

China came close a couple of times on their first power play of the game with Matt Armstrong ruled off for hooking just 6 minutes into the first, however Anthony Kimlin resumed his good form to deny multiple chances from the Chinese forwards.

Australia also had their chance on the man-advantage three minutes later with Hang Li gone for high sticking, but could not capitalise. Rezek and Jason Baclig also both had good chances for Australia in the first period, but could not find a way past Zehao Sun in the Chinese net.

It finished scoreless after the first 20 minutes. Shots were 10-10 in a very even first period.

China’s pressure paid off early in the second. After some intesne forechecking, Ling Chen ripped a one-timer from the high slot past Kimlin in the Australian net and stunned the Roos, making it 1:0 China with 14:33 to play in the second.

China’s advatange was short-lived as Wehebe Darge answered back for Australia less than a minute later. Some strong forechecking from Armstrong left Darge unattended in front of the net and Darge then poked home a centering pass from Armstrong, to bring the game back to 1:1 with 14:09 remaining.

Australia then had a chance on the 5-on-3 after two consecutive Chinese penalties, but could not convert any of their chances.

(Photo: Miki Holmes)

This would prove costly, as China’s pressure didn’t go away and again they went ahead just five minutes later through Zesen Zhang, and it would end 2:1 after 40 minutes of regulation. China poured on 19 shots to 8 in the second period and it seemed like their pressure was taking it’s toll on the Roos, with an upset on the cards.

However, China’s previous two periods of intense pressure worked against them in the third, as fatigue set in and ill-discipline took over.

China failed to capitalise on an early power play after Michael McMahon was given the gate for high-sticking, 5 minutes into the final period.

Australia then rained down chances on China’s net for several shifts but could not get past Sun, with Darge and Haselhurst both having golden opportunities to tie the game.

With just a shade under 10 minutes remaining, it looked like China would do enough to get the three points despite being outgunned in the third period and Australia failing to penetrate Sun’s net.

Need a goal? Call Aussie Joe.

The Adelaide Adrenaline forward took the game by the scruff of the neck in the final minutes, turning the tide in favour of Australia.

Haselhurst intercepted a Chinese clearing attempt inside the blue line and dished it off to Rezek who drew three Chinese players and Sun out of his net, slipping the puck home from the tightest of angles and tieing the game at 2:2. It was a new game with 8:44 to go in regulation.

A heavily fatigued China imploded in the final minutes with four straight penalties, two of them for deliberate Delay of Game, and it cost them dearly.

Rezek struck again, this time on a 5-on-3. After some great play from Baclig to keep the play alive at the blue line, the puck found it’s way to Cam Todd who dished it to Rezek in the high slot. Rezek ripped one past Sun and Australia had the lead for the first time in the game with just 2:18 to play.

Australia held firm for the final two minutes and skated away with a 3:2 victory, three points and a battle with Croatia for first place in their final game.

Rezek now has three goals and one assist in 4 games for the Roos. Vadim Virjassov has two goals and two assists for 4 points in 4 games, with Wehebe Darge (2G, 1A) third among Australian players.

Kimlin stopped 43 of 45 shots in the win for Australia, while Sun made 22 saves from 25 shots faced.

The Sydney Bears’ Brian Funes was named MVP of the game for Australia.

The scenarios

Given the other results overnight, Australia’s destiny is not clear cut and other results may impact their standing and who gains promotion to Division 1B.

Australia will play Croatia on Monday at 9pm AEST for a chance at promotion into Division 1B. Croatia narrowly defeated Spain in overtime 4-3 in their 4th game but are currently sitting in third place. Serbia plays Spain in the final game of the tournament at 4am AEST.

Australia currently sits on 10 points from 4 games, with second-placed Serbia on 9 points from four games. Croatia is third with 8 points from 4 games.

There are only three teams that can be potentially promoted. Australia can finish with a maximum of 13 points, Serbia can finish with a maximum of 12 points and Croatia can finish with a maximum of 11 points.

Here are some of the potential scenarios for tonight’s pivotal IIHF Division 2A World Championships:

If Australia win in regulation, Australia will finish first.

If Australia win in overtime and Serbia lose in regulation or in overtime, Australia will finish first.

If Australia win in overtime and Serbia win in regulation then the game between Australia and Serbia would then be the determining tie-breaker as the game could not end as a tie. In this case, Australia would finish first.

If Australia lose in overtime and Serbia win in regulation, Serbia will finish first.

If Australia lose in regulation and Serbia also lose in regulation or in overtime, Croatia will finish first.

Further information on the IIHF’s tie-breaking procedures can be found here.

Coverage begins at 9pm AEST here.

In essence the equation is pretty simple - just win baby.

#GoRoosGo