The Capitals Alex Ovechkin set up Team Russia’s first goal against Team Finland on Friday. The assist was generated on the heels of a beautiful curl-and-drag move, followed by a slick crossing pass to Valdimir Tarasenko, who simply tapped in for the Russians first tally.
Needing a win to move on to the next round of the tournament, Team Russia and Team Finland were scoreless after one period of play. Early in the second period, Tarasenko would gather a loose puck near center ice and dish to Ovechkin. Ovechkin swiftly marched through the Finnish defense, then deked, dangled and dished back to Tarasenko for the tap-in goal.
With the win, Team Russia will now face Team Canada in the next round of the tournament on Saturday. It’s a good thing too, as it looks like plenty of Capitals fans have made the trip north to Toronto to see the Capitals troika play in the World Cup of Hockey.
By Jon Sorensen
