On Tuesday, the Russians hammered Finland 5-0 to top qualifying Group E, while the Canadians occupied the fourth slot in Group F.

Atlanta Thrashers forward Maksim Afinogenov picked up a goal and an assist, captain Ilya Kovalchuk added two assists, while goalie Semyon Varlamov recorded a shutout.

The Finns started the match in lively style, pinning their rivals back and began peppering Varlamov with shots – 18 against Russia’s 12 in the first period.

But a wake-up call by veteran striker Sergey Fedorov cooled their enthusiasm. Fedorov netted the powerplay opener late in the first period, sending the puck into an unguarded post from Alexander Semin's cross, after which Russia gained control of the game once and for all.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeny Malkin and Toronto Maple Leafs striker Nikolai Kulemin added one apiece within just 10 seconds in the second period to give their side a solid 3-0 lead.

Ak Bars defender Aleksey Emelin and Maksim Afinogenov added two more goals in the final period to secure Russia's record 25th consecutive win at the worlds.

The widely anticipated battle against Canada will take place in Cologne on Thursday at 10.15pm Moscow time. In other quarter-finals, Sweden will take on Denmark, Finland faces the Czech Republic, while hosts Germany play Switzerland.