Russia - Czech Republic. A statistical look
Before yesterday, it was six years, four months and fifteen days since Russia's last played a game which wasn't part of the Olympic Games, World Championship, Euro Hockey Tour or Euro Hockey Challenge. The previous friendly match took place on the 24th of April 2010 against Italy (3:3). Interestingly, Sergei Bobrovsky was the team's goaltender for the particular fixture, and Vladimir Tarasenko handed out an assist.
This was the second game between Russia and the Czech Republic in Saint Petersburg. On the 22nd of April 2003, the Czechs won 2:1.
Forward Vadim Shipachyov made his 100th national team appearance. His first assist yesterday was also his 50th for Russia, and overall, he has 77 points (26+51).
Evgeny Kuznetsov has played in 60 Russia matches, and so far, he boasts 29 points (16+13).
In 50 Russian national team games, Vladimir Tarasenko has netted 10 goals. Three of them have been against the Czech Republic.
Artemiy Panarin already has 36 points from 35 Russia games (19+16).
Nikita Nesterov, Nikita Kucherov and Vladislav Namestnikov, all of the Tampa Bay Lightning, made their full national side debuts.
Russian Ice Hockey Federation