Channel One Cup. Russia - Czech Republic - 5:1

The senior Russian national team played the second Channel One Cup match against the Czech Republic. In comparison with the first game, head coach Oleg Znarok made two changes – Igor Shestyorkin took his place in net, while defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin replaced Maxim Osipov.

After losing to Sweden yesterday, our players were fired up to make amends. For their part, the Czechs had only arrived in Moscow in the early hours, and their tiredness was apparent. Piling on the pressure, Russia found the opening goal five minutes in – charging to the crease, Sergei Plotnikov took advantage of a juicy rebound. On their feet, the packed Ice Palace crowd were soon celebrating a second goal – Pavel Datsyuk forced the puck over the line after the goalkeeper had failed to stop Ilya Kovalchuk’s attempt. We weren’t finished their either, as moments later, Vladimir Tkachyov completed a flowing play. The Czechs were all over the place, failing to shut down Russia’s advances.

However, just when it seemed that Russia would win comfortably, the Czechs emerged from their slumber. Out of nowhere, the away outfit took the game by the scruff of the neck, crashing our net at any given opportunity. They did get the goal they deserved – Tomas Zahorna guided a loose puck under the blocker. The Czechs had smelt blood, refusing to let up. Our players contrived to take a number of penalties, and had it not been for some superb Igor Shestyorkin stops, the game could have completely turned on its head.

Fortunately, a quick Russian goal in the third frame killed off the stubborn Czech challenge – lurking on the crease, Ivan Telegin cleverly flicked beyond the goalkeeper. Deflated, the Czech Republic lost heart, not troubling Igor Shestyorkin anywhere near as much. The Russian fans were creating fantastic noise inside the arena, and they were given one more goal to shout about. On a late five on three, Ilya Kovalchuk wristed beautifully into the right corner. 5:1, Russia take their first win at the Channel One Cup!

Match protocol:

Russia – Czech Republic – 5:1 (3:0, 0:1, 2:0)

Goals:

1:0 Plotnikov (Kovalchuk, Belov), 05.40

2:0 Datsyuk (Kovalchuk), 08.21

3:0 Tkachyov (Barabanov, Antipin), 11.27

3:1 Zahorna (Jordan), 27.47

4:1 Telegin (Svetlakov, Nichushkin), 42.58

5:1 Kovalchuk (Svetlakov), 59.03

Goalkeepers: Shestyorkin – Furch

Penalty minutes: 12 – 12  

16.12.2016. Moscow Ice Palace, Moscow.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation