Russia’s Offense Explodes Late to Defeat Switzerland

An impressive third period effort by the Russians helped give the 2018 Olympic favourites their first win of the 2017 Karjala Cup.

Maxim Shalunov would get the Russians on the board first on the opening power play chance of the game. Shalunov's wrist shot complimented a nice pass in front from Nikita Gusev, giving the Russians the early advantage.

The Swiss, however, would score twice to take their only lead of the battle. At 14:49, Simon Moser finished off a scoring chance created by Felicen Du Bois on the power play, scoring 10 minutes after Shalunov previously did. A few minutes after that, Vincent Praplan, Switzerland's top scorer from the World Championships, added another one on the power play, proving special teams would be important.

Unfortunately for Switzerland, the Russians controlled the third period and would take back the lead. Sergei Kalinin and Nikita Nesterov would score less than a minute apart, followed by goals from Valeri Nichushkin and Mikhail Grigorenko midway through the period. Vladimir Tkachyov would end any Swiss momentum in the final minute, giving Russia the 6-2 victory.

Switzerland's tournament came to a close with zero wins, while Russia will face off with the Czech Republic on Sunday morning in a battle for a medal spot.

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