Canada Holds Off A Late Russian Onslaught, Prevail 3-2
The puck drop of Game One was shortly after 11:00 Thursday morning. The Canada-Russia Challenge will include 4 games between the two rival nations. The first two games in Russia and the next two in Halifax, Nova Scotia back in Canada.
The series features seven Canadians from last year’s World Junior team and a number of 2012 first round draftees, including: Nail Yakupov, Mikhail Grigorenko, Ryan Murray, and Toronto’s own, Morgan Rielly.
Both Canada and Russia agreed to dedicate this series to those lost in the tragic plane crash on September 7th of last year. The two games in Russia will be played in Yaroslavl, Russia.. the city where the crash occurred. They agreed to help bring new memories to the city where they lost 36 beloved hockey players and coaches, including former NHLers: Pavol Demitra and Igor Korelev, Ruslan Salei, and Karlis Skrastins. Seven crew members also perished in the accident.
Between the pipes for Canada: Malcolm Subban, and for Russia: Andrei Vasilevski.
Russia got some chances early, but Canada out-shot the Russians 7-0 in the last half of the period. The first period was largely uneventful. Both sides seemed to enter the game in a feeling-out process and tightening up, so as not to surrender unnecessary scoring chances. This came to no surprise, as both teams were playing with new teammates and an unfamiliar roster on the opposing end.
However, the second frame gave Canada an early powerplay and they would capitalize with one second left on it. Rielly got an assist on the point shot driven by Sean Monahan. Just minutes later, Scott Harrington buried a low, hard shot to give Canada a 2-1 cushion. And a good thing, because Russia came right back and got the crowd back in the game with a tally of their own as they threw the puck on net and Anton Slepyshev buried the rebound in front. The goal came about midway through the game and was their first shot on net in over 17 minutes. With 6 minutes remaining in the second period, Russia went on the powerplay, and Charles Hudon for Canada, busted on a clear breakaway and missed over the net. Then moments later, Canadian goaltender Malcolm Subban, came up with a huge save to preserve the lead. Moments after the Russian powerplay expired, Canada received the advantage. Canada capitalized again, as Dougie Hamilton put a beauty snap shot in the top corner with just over two minutes left in the period. So after a relatively sheepish first period, the second period opened up and exploded with action, with Canada taking a 3-1 edge.
The pace of the action. for the most part, resumed from the second into the third period, but the scoring halted. Nail Yakupov seemed to become frustrated as his one-on-one plays converted into a miserable stop-and-shoot from the blueline. However, the Russians began to pour it on with around 9 minutes remaining and earned a 5-on-3 powerplay for a minute with just over 6 remaining in regulation. And it didn’t take long for the #1 overall pick, Nail Yakupov, to bury a beauty and narrow the deficit to 3-2 and teeing up a great finish. Russia poured it on and Subban responded. With half a minute to go, a scramble ensued at the side of the net. Subban once again held his ground. In the end, Canada holds on to claim victory in Russia in Game 1 of the Canada-Russia Challenge!
All in all, Game 1 showcased just how close these two countries are, in terms of hockey talent. The Canadians took advantage of two powerplays, as the Russians needed a 5-on-3 to convert. Even though Canada jumped out to the 3-1 lead in the second period, the game was tight the whole way with intense action at both ends of the ice. Russia threw everything they had at the end and nearly tied it on multiple occasions. The game was a great tribute to those lost in the tragic accident nearly a year ago.
So far, this series is looking to fulfill the goal of creating new memories for the city of Yaroslavl. It was a typical Canada-Russia game full of passion and pride. Lord willing, we see more of the same tomorrow and the rest of the way!