Jakub Vrana was the best player on the ice in the Czech Republic’s surprising 5-2 throttling of Team Sweden. The Capitals forward scored twice, including a memorable goal on his first career World Championship shift. His second goal, a breath-taking breakaway tally, clinched the game for the Czechs.
Sweden had won 17 consecutive World-Championship games coming into Friday.
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Top. Shelf.
Vrana gets his 2nd of the game and puts @narodnitym up 4-2 over @Trekronorse #CZESWE #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/n6GUDDcrkh— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 10, 2019
Vrana was sprung on the breakaway after receiving a perfect stretch pass from Filip Hronek. V beat Henrik Lundqvist blocker side to the far top corner of the net. The goal put the Czechs up 4-2 with 4:10 remaining in the third period.
After scoring, Vrana unleashed a huge smile and wagged his tongue. He then flexed for his teammates. Here’s a photo sequence from the Czech national team.
Vrana had four shots in 12:57 of ice time. He was named player of the game.
🚨GÓÓÓÓÓL ČEŠI!🚨
To je debut v #narodnitym, co? 😍 KUBA VRÁNA dostal pas do jízdy od Hronka a fantastickou střelou vymetl šibenici! ✌🏻 Druhý gól v zápase pro našeho útočníka. 🔥 #jakolev#CZEvSWE 🇨🇿🆚🇸🇪 4:2 pic.twitter.com/fxBHh8tS3B— Hokejový nároďák (@narodnitym) May 10, 2019
The Caps top-six forward is now tied with Kaapo Kakko and Evgeni Dadonov for the World Championship lead in goals through Day One of the tournament.
Flex on em, V!
The Czechs next game is Saturday against Norway.
