Russia 4 Switzerland 2
Russia outlasted Switzerland on the second day of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Red Deer.
Four different Russians scored as their team defeated the Swiss 4-2 at the Peavey Mart Centrium Monday afternoon.
It was a big bounce back win for the Russians, who were defeated 6-3 by Sweden on Boxing Day. Despite earning its first win, Russia still has room to improve, said head coach Sergei Zubov.
“We could’ve played better, definitely. We created some chances, but gave up quite a few opportunities for the Swiss team. We hope we’re going to get better day by day,” said Zubov.
This was Switzerland’s first game at the World Juniors, including pre-tournament action, as the team’s tuneup game against the Czech Republic on Dec. 23 was cancelled.
Swiss captain Dario Sidler said he doesn’t believe the team should use that as an excuse.
“We had good preparation, we stuck together as a team,” said Sidler.
“I think we were ready, and sure the game against the Czech would’ve been great, a game at that level is always perfect, but I think we did pretty well.”
Danila Yurov got Russia on the board 7:21 into the first period. Dmitri Zlodeyev and Pavel Tyutnev scored at 15:42 and 17:39, respectively, to extend the Russians’ lead to three.
Switzerland’s Atillio Biasca brought his team within two with just one minute left in the opening frame, after beating Russian netminder Yegor Guskov with a wrist shot to the blocker side.
Joshua Fahrni, who picked up an assist on the Swiss‘ first-period goal, had a chance to bring his team within one just 20 seconds into the second, but he rang a shot off the crossbar and out of play.
Swiss goaltender Kevin Pasche made a few big saves for his team in the early minutes of the middle frame, including a blocker save on Zlodeyev during a Russian three-on-one rush.
Christophe Cavalleri had a shorthanded breakaway chance about six minutes into the period, but Guskov stuffed the shot with his pad.
“(Guskov) played strong game. There were periods in the game where he didn’t have a shot on net for five, seven, 10 minutes. It was tough for him. We appreciate his effort,” said Zubov.
Switzerland defenceman Arno Nussbaumer was helped off of the ice after blocking a shot with a couple of minutes left in the period. He did not return in the third period.
Joel Henry had one of Switzerland’s best chances about seven minutes into the third, firing a shot off of the post during a Swiss power play. Russia hit the post as well at the ten-minute mark.
Matvei Michkov scored for Russia 11:57 into the third after taking a pass from Semyon Devidov and squeezing a shot between the body and arm of Pasche.
Switzerland’s Fabian Ritzmann scored one more for his team by tipping in a point shot with 1:15 left in the game. The goal was reviewed to determine whether the play had gone offside – the play was onside and the goal counted. But that was the last time either team scored, as Russia went on to win 4-2.
After allowing three power play goals to Sweden in its first game of the tournament, staying out of the penalty box was key for Russia, said Yurov.
“Coaches told us we should play (with) greater discipline. We were playing better today and basically this is why we got the W,” Yurov said through a translator.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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