2019 Channel One Cup. Russian Classic. Russia - Finland

The national team will compete against Finland in the Russian Classic at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg, a match which is a part of the Channel One Cup - the second stage of the 2019/2020 Euro Hockey Tour.

In the first game of the tournament, Russia conceded a battling 3:4 defeat to Sweden, but three excellent goals from Vadim Shipachyov and Kirill Kaprizov (2) eased the pain of defeat. On Saturday, the team duly made up for that loss, beating the Czech Republic 4:3 in a dramatic penalty shootout. Andrei Kuzmenko and Mikhail Grigorenko opened the scoring with two goals in the maiden period, but the Czechs equalised in the second.

Russia then required an equaliser from Igor Ozhiganov midway through the third frame after the opponents had taken their first lead. Vladimir Tkachyov subsequently netted the winning penalty shootout to clinch an important win.

For their part, Finland lost to the Czech Republic in Plzen in their first game, however they produced an impressive showing against Sweden yesterday to run out emphatic 5:1 winners. Their goalkeeper even scored into the empty net in the closing stages.

Tournament table after two rounds:

1. Finland, 4 points
2. Czech Republic, 3 points
3. Sweden, 3 points
4. Russia, 2 points

The Russian Classic is set to begin at 16:00 local time. Channel One will provide a live broadcast in Russia.