Team Russia Beats Team USA 4-3, Will Face Team Canada in Semi-Finals

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Jon Sorensen

Thursday was the start of the elimination round in this year’s IIHF World Championship, and as luck would have, opened with a heavyweight battle, as Team USA and Team Russia renewed acquaintances at Ondrej Nepela Arena in Bratislava, Slovakia. This one went back and fourth, but in the end, a crazy double-deflected goal was the difference as Russia held on for a 4-3 win.

FIRST PERIOD
Team Russia would strike first with a goal from Nikita Gusev just 1:07 into the contest, assisted by Mikail Sergechev and Nikita Kucherov.

The Russians would stretch their lead to 2-0 with a redirected shot by Mikhail Sergeychev at 15:47 of the opening frame. It appeared the shot may have been deflected twice en route to the goal. No chance for Corey Schneider.

As for the Capitals on Tem Russia, Alex Ovechkin came close with this effort late in the first period, but would not be able to find the back of the net.

SECOND PERIOD
Team USA would quickly close the gap to 2-1 just 2:22 into the middle frame with a goal from Brady Skjei. Patrick Kane and Johnny Gaudrau had the helpers.

That would be it for the second period. Shots on goal after two periods were 32-21 in favor of Russia. Russia also won the battle at the dot 21-16 after 40 minutes of play.
Penalty minutes: 2-2

THIRD PERIOD
The Russians would restore their two goal lead 1:31 into final frame with a goal from Kirill Kaprizov. Nikita Gusev and Mikail Sergechev had the assists, making it 3-1.

But Team USA would answer again, this time with a goal from Noah Hanifin at 5:53 of the final period. Jack Hughes had the assist.

But moments later Russia would restore the two goal advantage with a tally from Mikail Grigoranko at 7:02 of the final frame. Malkin and Dadonov had the helpers.

With the goalie pulled and an extra attacker, Team USA would cut the Russian lead to a single goal with a tally from Alex Debrincat. Patrick Kane and Kack Hughes would register the assists.

And that would be the final. The Russians will face Finland in the semifinals on Saturday. Team Canada generated a late rally to tie the Swiss, and beat the Swiss in Overtime, and will face the Czech Republic, also on Saturday.

The American dream of winning gold at a World Championship tournament for the first time since 1933 will remain a dream for another year. The U.S. has enjoyed increasing success at the Worlds during this decade, capturing bronze in 2013, 2015, and 2018.

Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dmitry Orlov were all held off the scoresheet in this contest.

HIGHLIGHTS

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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2 Responses to Team Russia Beats Team USA 4-3, Will Face Team Canada in Semi-Finals

  1. Day One Caps Fan says:
    May 23, 2019 at 5:09 pm

    Jon S., thanks for this great review! It’s good to see happy Caps’ players
    Gosh … that Olympic-sized hockey rink is immense!

    Reply

  2. Pingback: Tracing The History Of Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin As Teammates, Linemates And Roomates; A Long And Winding (And Sometimes Bumpy) Road | NoVa Caps

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