BRATISLAVA, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Host Slovakia are still in the fight for an ice hockey world championship playoff spot after snapping a three-game losing streak by beating France 6-3 in Group A on Friday.
In their previous two games, Slovakia botched the finish and allowed their opponents to turn the tables. If they want to advance to the quarterfinals, they will have to win their remaining preliminary matches and hope that one of the Group A favorites stumble.
Slovakia had a good start against France, leading 3-0 on 26 minutes. Richard Panik scored on a powerplay, Matus Sukel redirected Martin Fehervary's shot from up high and Libor Hudacek deked out the French goalie.
France managed to rally and cut the deficit to one after Antonin Manavian scored on a delayed penalty and Alexander Texier's wrister found its way intoPatrik Rybar's net on a power play.
With the memories of two failed finishes still fresh in the minds of the Slovak players, they refused to make the same mistake for the third time. They dominated the last portion of the game with three consecutive goals and triumphed 6-3.
Slovakia need another win on Saturday against Britain, and France will battle against second-placed Finland on Sunday to try to avoid relegation.
