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Red Machine overrides Jagr and Co.
Published: 22 February, 2010, 02:09
Edited: 22 February, 2010, 21:37
Viktor Kozlov (52) of Russia celebrates his goal against the Czech Republic during their men's hockey game at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, February 21, 2010 (AFP Photo / Getty Images)
TAGS: Sport, Vancouver-2010, Hockey
Evgeny Malkin scored twice as Russia bounced back from a shootout loss to Slovakia, beating the Czech Republic 4-2 to reach the Olympic hockey quarterfinals.
Beware the Russian bear! After a disappointing loss against Slovakia, the Russians had to win against the Czech Republic in regulation in order to claim their spot directly in quarterfinals, and they accomplished their mission in style.
Fifteen minutes into the first period, Evgeny Malkin scored a power-play goal to give Russia a 1-0 lead.
Later in the first period back-to-back penalties to Konstantin Korneyev and Sergey Fedorov left three Russians against five Czechs, and the latter used the moment to tie the game at one apiece.
The Russians went ahead 14 minutes into the second when Viktor Kozlov scored.
And then it was Alexander Ovechkin’s turn to entertain the crowd. He flattened iconic Czech Jaromir Jagr with a head-snapping shoulder check in the neutral zone in the opening minutes of the third period after which Semin and Malkin delivered the Czechs another blow – 3-1.
The Czechs scored one back late in the third, but it was too late.
Pavel Datsyuk added an empty-netter with 12 seconds left in regulation to send the Russian into the quarterfinals.
Canada vs. Russia battle on the horizon
In Big Sunday’s other clashes, Sweden defeated Finland 3-0, and Team US upset Canadians 5-3.As such, a Canada on Russia battle, which was regarded as the most likely gold-medal matchup, may happen already in the quarterfinals, in case, of course, a so far unconvincing Canada outplays Germany to reach the last eight.
In the other quarterfinals, the US will play the winner of the Switzerland-Belarus game, while the winner of Czech-Latvia will face Finland, and the winner of Slovakia-Norway will play Sweden.
19.02.2010, 11:13
1 comment
Russian Red Machine suffers first Olympic blowThe Russian hockey squad, one of the main Olympic favorites, has lost to Slovakia in penalties in their second group stage game in Vancouver. |
24.02.2010, 21:43
2 comments
Russia or Canada? Ice Hockey quarter final in VancouverRussia's holding its breath as the national hockey team prepares for a titanic clash with Canada at the Winter Olympics. More than any other player, hopes lie with Russia's biggest star - Alexander Ovechkin. |
I came to an interesting realization today. When everyone shouts his country's name, I shout "SHAYBU." What a great way to cheer for a piece of sports equipment... It's a good legacy from USSR; I hope we keep it. I thought both teams where exceptionally good. I also saw why Jager commands his salary in KHL. It makes total sense, a guy of my age should not be able to do what he does. And frankly, having a good teacher is half the battle. I think that KHL will save NHL if both leagues embrace some sort of a transatlantic cup. We, the fans, demand to have the competition between teams practicing the passing-wide-rink and the boards games. I thought that Russia looked decent, but they have to step up, because the Canada-USA match was brutal. I hope Russia is in the finals. I also hope that YOU, Russian fans around the world, take time and thought to invite other hockey fans into your midst and cheer for good hockey (not boxing) with a loud shout: "Shy-Boo". P.S. I don’t like the north American moniker for the Russian team. I think the team is as far from a machine as it can possibly be. The team is a bunch of guys from all walks of life, who are risking their careers just to be a part of the Olympics. Wayne the Greek, I should think, would concur.
I saw the Canadian - USA game. The US team is beatable if the Russian team can play better defense than they have. Only through defense can Russia beat Team USA. If Team USA starts scoring, give the Red Machine a goodbye kiss.