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NEWS
(Sep. 7,
2004) - U.S.A. 5 Russia 3 -
Keith Tkachuk scored four goals and assisted on a fifth as the United States
beat Russia 5-3 in a World Cup of Hockey quarter-final elimination game.
Goals by Tkachuk and Scott Gomez within 22 seconds early in the third period
broke a 2-2 tie and a Russian power-play goal by Ilya Kovachuk with nine minutes
left set up a nailbiter of a finish but the Americans held on to win in front of
an announced Xcel Energy Center crowd of 17,218.
(Sep. 5,
2004) - Russia 5 Slovakia 2
- The "Marian Connection" of Gaborik and Hossa finally got on the board for the
Slovaks, but it wasn't enough, as five different players scored to lead Team
Russia to a 5-2 win. Alexander Ovechkin showed the world what he's all
about as he scored one of the goals. Rounding out the Russian scoring was
Alexei Yashin, Pavel Datsyuk, Sergei Samsonov and Alex Kovalev. The win
clinches the 2nd seed in the North American division for Russia, while Slovakia
ends up in the basement position with an 0-3 record. Russia will play the
U.S.A. and Slovakia will get Team Canada in the quarterfinals.
(Sep. 4,
2004) - Canada 3 Russia 1
- Brad Richards and Kris Draper scored in the second period and Joe Sakic added
a goal in the third of another great game for Canada. Martin Brodeur was
once again stellar in goal, but was again denied a shutout as Sergei Gonchar got
one by him. Canada clinches first overall in the North American division
and will have home ice advantage in Toronto in the quarterfinals. Russia's
opponent will be decided in their final round robin match against Slovakia, but
whether it's the Americans or the Slovaks, they will play their quarterfinal in
St. Paul.
(Sep. 2,
2004) - Russia 3 U.S.A. 1 -
Even playing to a capacity crowd at the Xcel Energy Centre in St. Paul, Minnesota couldn't inspire the
Americans as Russia cruised to a 3-1 win, started off with a fluke goal that
deflected off of Chris Chelios. Robert Esche kept the U.S. in the game,
but Alex Kovalev broke a 1-1 tie in the third period with a highlight reel goal,
and the Russians never looked back.
(Aug. 29, 2004) - Team Russia
played their final World Cup
exhibition game vs Team Slovakia at the Corel Centre in Ottawa. It was the
final game of a three game exhibition series in Canada's Capital. The game
was as uneventful as the score: a 0-0 tie. Most notable was the Ottawa
fans usual warm welcome of Alexei Yashin (or lack thereof). Russia's
Alexander Ovechkin, the NHL's 2004 first round draft pick, did not play in this
game. (Aug. 27, 2004) - The U.S.
team appears ready for the World Cup of
Hockey. John-Michael Liles and Brett Hull scored and goaltenders Robert
Esche and Rick DiPietro were perfect in a 2-0 exhibition win over Russia on
Friday night. "I'm pleased with where we are but we have a lot of room for
improvement," U.S. coach Ron Wilson said after his team's final tuneup.
The U.S. opens the tournament against Canada in Montreal on Tuesday. The
Russians play their first round robin game against the U.S. in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday.
(Aug 22, 2004) - Christian Ehrhoff
scored the equalizer with 16:02 to play in the third period as Germany rallied
to tie Russia 3-3 in exhibition action. Sergei Samsonov opened the Russian
account at 6:32 of the first period. Marcel Goc tied the match 6:29 into the
second period, but Russia answered back at 8:47 when Dmitre Avanasenkov scored.
Alexander Frolov extended the Russian lead to 3-1 at 10:13. Goc gave the
Germans fresh hope a mere four minutes later to set up Erhoff's third-period
heroics. Germany outshot Russia, 16-8. |
