- This was bitterly – Aftenposten

The loss against the United States was expected, but the way it happened sent a Norwegian hockey team disappointed in the locker room.

Norway – USA 1-2

OSTRAVA: – It was bitter to lose today, said Mathis Olimb.

– A sad loss when we played so well as tonight, said goalscorer Morten Ask.

So something positive

The Norwegian players bubbled no interview zone after the match, but it managed after all to see the positive in performance.

– Although we lose, so this was a good year compared to what we experienced yesterday, said Mathis Olimb after Norway had lost 1-2 to the United States. It was the way Norway lost to Russia the day before he had in mind. When Norway was outclassed.

The confidence back

Saturday night was Norway far away to be outclassed by a nation which is considered one of the truly great. Norway played for long periods even with the United States and had profusion of chances to take the lead again as the US acquired early in the second period.

– We are not happy until we win. But play was clean tonight’s performance much better. Now we get some confidence from this and looking forward to continuing, told Olimb who played in the first row along Patrick Thoresen and current goalscorer Morten Ask.

Took the blame

The same Morten Ask had an extra reason to be disappointed. He inserted a praktmål but was also deeply involved in the goal which ultimately decided the match.

– Had it not been for a slight blunder by me today, so we’d have a point. It is evident that it was my fault. Can not blame anyone. When we concede that goal I think I have a little more time than I have. It is not supposed to happen, said Morten Ask.

He even made sure to send Norway to a 1-0 lead in the first period. Thus, it was an evening of ambivalence for Vålerenga player.

– I think we create many chances today and play smoothly over a good game. Therefore it is acidic it becomes loss.

– We show strength today

He thought it was very important for Norway to perform today after to the long period was played by the ice against Russia in 2-6 loss the day before.

– The fight against Russia was tough and such lessons erode confidence. We show a strength today that we manage to come out to give everything.

It is 31 years since Norway last took points from the United States in a World Championship or Olympic match. It happened in Sarajevo Olympics in 1984. Norway played it again 3-3 against the United States. For Morten Ask is statistics and history unimportant. He already has the next games in mind.

– We must only continue to perform at the same level, says Ash.

Monday is the Finland’s turn.

– Another tough game, beats Ash laconic fast as the sweat drips.

Published: 02.mai. 2015 11:28 p.m.