Czech Republic goaltender Dominic Hasek left today’s opening round game against Germany midway through the first period with an undisclosed injury ; he’s suffered Groinoid issues over the years, and perhaps his hands still hurt after nearly killing a roller hockey opponent.

The Rangers’ Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka have an assist apiece thus far, the Czech Republic leading 2-1 entering the third period.

There’s no better way to commemorate a game between the Czech Republic and Germany being played in an Italian city than by playing something representative of those nations’ cultures over the arena tannoy. Hence, “Aqualung” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”.

Jarome Iginla (above) had a pair of goals in Team Canada’s 7-2 defeat of Italy earlier this morning. In retrospect, perhaps Mike Piazza hadn’t earned a spot on the Italian team.

D Daniel Tjarvqvist scored twice, Mats Sundin once in Sweden’s 7-2 rout of Kazakhstan. I’d like to applaud NBC and the IOC’s decision not to issue media credentials to Borat, though granted, it’s still early in the tournament.