Hat trick by Zinoviev

As expected Russia defeated Denmark, but it was closer than expected as Denmark stood up really well against a Russian team that didn't seem to be 100 % focused.

"It was a very nervous game. Denmark was a tough opponent, but the most important is the result and that makes us satisfied", says the Russian coach Vyacheslav Bykov

Sergei Zinoviev opened the score at 9:26, he had no problems to score in a empty net after some chaos in front of the Danish net. A logic goal after Russian dominance but a couple of minutes later Denmark tied the game when Kirill Starkov's shot hit Hardt's skate in front of goal and fooled Nabokov in the Russian net. Denmark shocked Russia by taking the lead with 14 seconds to play. Russia got very passive on their penalty killing and gave Mikkel Bødker room to skate in from right flank and all alone in front of Nabokov he made no mistake.

Russia's Nikolai Kulyomin says: "We took some unnecesary penalties. We allowed too many goals from team like Denmark. We created many scoring chances, but their goalie was very solid".

Strenghten by their late goal Denmark came out strong in the second but the longer the period went Russia came back more and more into the game and Zinoviev scored his second goal of the game halfway through the period. Zinoviev's third goal of the game came at 14:18 when he picked up a loose puck in front of the goal and beat Andersen with a high shot.

In the third it felt like Denmark run out of energy and Russia was in control of the game. The giant Evgeny Artyuhkin made it 4-2 from his favourite position in front of goal. But the Danes didn't give up and Nichlas Hardt scored his second goal of the game, an easy goal for Hardt after a brilliant deke and pass by Starkov. Nabokov looked hurt after the goal but continued to play. Two minutes later however Nabokov was replace by Barulin who replaced Nabokov for the second game in a row.


Danish time out
Photo: Roman Kucera

Denmark took a time out with 2:39 left to play and pull Andersen for an extra attacker. They managed to put some pressure on Russia but failed to create any really hot chances and Russia won 4-3.

The Danish coach Per Bäckman was still satisfied with the team's effort: "I am proud of my guys. We played very well and above my expectations. We did all we could."

Zinoviev was of course given the best player award for Russia. For Denmark the award was given to Kirill Starkov who is also half Russian.

Everybody still wonders if Alexander Ovechkin will join the Russian team but Bykov says that it is not confirmed yet.

 

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