Russia survives late scare to down Sweden

Team Russia went in front three times and eventually held on for a win in the first Friday game of the Karjala tournament. Viktor Tikhonov scored the game winning goal after 41 minutes with a solo effort.

There was no time for boredom early in the game as Russia got off to a quick start. Kazionov´s shot went wide, but rebounded back off the boards straight into a path of Yegor Averin who immediately fired in a quick snapshot. Martin Thornberg equalized soon afterwards, scoring from close range after a perfect Jarnkrok´s pass from the right.

Russia remained the more dangerous team, despite more shots fired on goal by Team Sweden. Kuznetsov set up Vadim Shipachev in the 12th minute and he did not miss. Kuznetsov and Shipachev created more openings in the first period, but Holmqvist was alert.

Swedes put even more pressure on their opponent in the second period. Tony Martensson´s line was one of the more dangerous and it was Martensson who equalized midway through the game with a smart deflection in between the goalkeeper´s pads. Tre Kronor suddenly were the more dangerous team, but could not beat solid-looking Bobrovsky.

It took third period to decide the winner and Viktor Tikhonov stole the glory for himself, slipping through a crowd of bodies on the blue line and firing a perfect wristshot above the goalie´s shoulder. Russia played a disciplined game throughout most of the game, but Zherdev conceded a match penalty late in the period, putting the final result in question. However, Russia´s penalty killing was excellent and despite the final power play, they held on for a precious win and a chance to win the tournament.

 

Advanced player search

Tweets by @eurohockey