Russia has put themselves one win away from qualifying for the second round.
After a solid tough 3-2 overtime win over Slovakia on Dec. 26, the home team took the Americans down 2-1 in possibly the best match of the tournament thus far. The game featured top end goalkeeping from Andrei Makarov and John Gibson. Makarov faced 42 shots and stopped all but one while Gibson stopped 28 of 30 shots. Russia got the scoring underway with an early tally from Albert Yarullin. The Americans got even in the second with a goal from Jacob Trouba at 13:18. However, the Russians scored another early tally when Vladimir Tkachyov scored at 4:10 of the third. Russia held on despite an onslaught of shots from the Americans late in the game. If they win, they are guaranteed seven or eight points in group play. Slovakia can only obtain seven total points if they win their final two matches, but Russia defeated them in head-to-head play.
Their opponents will be the lowly German team that has shown that they do not belong at this level of competition. Despite winning the Division I A tournament last year, Germany has looked lost in its first two games against Canada and the United States. A 9-3 loss to the Canadians was followed by an 8-0 beating at the hands of the Americans. A loss to Russia eliminates them from the quarter finals.
Predictions: Russia has not runaway with a match thus far but they should breakout against the Germans. 10-1 Russia.
Start Time: 9 AM EST
TV: TSN
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