Friendly match. Canada - Russia

At 02:30 Moscow time on the 15th of September, the Russian national team will face off against Canada in Pittsburgh, the USA.

On paper, this is a pre World Cup of Hockey friendly game, but we all know that matches between these two countries are ultra competitive. In recent years, Canada have had the upper hand over Russia at major tournaments, beating the Russians at the Olympics in Vancouver and in the 2015 World Championship final. However, this time around, Russia will look to give their opponents a tougher challenge.

In the run up to the World Cup, Canada have had a few injury problems, and both Tyler Seguin and Jeff Carter have dropped out of the squad. Nevertheless, they have a star studded team, and the Russian defence will have to be wary. 

The Canadians have played two friendlies against the USA already, losing one and winning the other. Montreal Canadiens goaltender and 2014 Olympic gold medalist Carey Price is expected to be their number one for the competition, and he wil start against Russia.

Our players arrived in Pittsburgh a few days ago, and Evgeny Malkin mentioned that it will be strange playing against Penguins teammate Sidney Crosby at Pittsburgh's home ground. In yesterday's media briefing, coach Harijs Vitolins stated that Tampa Bay Lightning pair Nikita Nesterov and Vladislav Namestnikov will probably sit this game out.

The Canada - Russia match will begin at 02:30 Moscow time. A live text broadcast will be available on our official Twitter account.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation