The Russians have not lived up to the expectations created for them prior to this tournament. With a star-studded roster that included the likes of Nail Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko, many thought the home team would win Group A and assure themselves a spot in the final with ease. That no longer is the case as Russia must now play in the quarter finals against a surprising Switzerland side.
The Russians had tough times taking on Slovakia and eventually won the game in overtime. Against the Americans, Russia managed a 2-1 game in which the United States outshot them by a large margin. The Russians finally broke out against Germany with a seven goal match, but in the highly anticipated meeting with Canada, the home team fizzled. Russia spotted Canada a 2-0 lead in the first 16 minutes of the game before Nikita Kucherov brought them within one goal at the end of the opening frame. However, that was all Russia could muster as Canada struck for two more goals over the final two periods and Canadian keeper Malcolm Subban made 21 saves to shut down the Russians.
The Swiss managed to open the tournament with a 7-2 destruction of Latvia. They then pushed defending Champion Sweden to the shootout before losing 3-2 and despite losing in the shootout to Finland in their third match, they were in a solid position to advance heading into their tilt with the Czech Republic. Despite falling behind in the early going, Switzerland's Christian Marti scored at the 14:20 mark to level the score after 20 minutes. The Czechs broke out for two goals in the middle frame, but two third period, tallies from Christof Bertschy and Dario Simion tied the score for the Swiss and sent the game to overtime. The Czechs won the game in the final frame, but the single point was all Switzerland needed to advance to the quarter finals.
Russia has the higher profile stars and the better goalkeeping in this tournament, but Switzerland has shown confidence whenr playing the best teams. Despite losing to Sweden, Switzerland never trailed in that game. Same holds true in their match against Finland in which they held a 4-2 lead in the third period. Their two goal rally against the Czechs also showed some grit, but they will need to be tighter defensively against a Russian team that knows they have disappointed. Look for the Russians to be fierce and aggressive in this one.
Prediction: The home team is bound of a big breakout match. 8-3 Russia.
Start Time: 8 AM EST
TV: TSN (Repeat Broadcasts at 2PM EST and 12 AM EST on Jan. 3.)
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
