International Ice Hockey Federation

Russia downs Danes 3-0

Russia downs Danes 3-0

Kiselevich scores game winner

Published 11.05.2017 19:13 GMT+2 | Author John Sanful
Russia downs Danes 3-0
COLOGNE, GERMANY - MAY 11: Russia's Nikita Gusev #97 celebrates with Vadim Shipachyov #87 after scoring a second period goal against Denmark during preliminary round action at the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)
Three goals in second period keep Russia undefeated at 2017 World Championships.

Russia picked up its fourth win of the tournament to place them atop the group standings in Germany.

After being held to a scoreless tie for almost two periods, Russia broke out late in the second period with three goals in 1:10 that paced the way for their 3-0 win over Denmark.

Denmark gamely held their opponent close and generated chances but were unable to stop the wave of the Russian attack. Burned into Denmark’s collective memory was last year’s 10-1 loss to Russia at the 2016 World Championships in Moscow. 

"We had to be patient for the first half of the game," said Nikita Kucherov. "Maybe at times we played too much like individuals, we thought it was going to be like the game against Italy, but Denmark's a decent team and that did a good job."

Despite carrying Denmark to a 4-3 win over Slovakia on Tuesday, Sebastian Dahm was given a rest. Denmark instead started George Sorenson in goal. This was Sorenson’s first start and game appearance for Demark at the men’s senior level. Last year he was the third goaltending option.

And what a way for Sorenson to make his debut against a high octane roster of skilled players who are threats to score whenever they have turn on the offense. But Sorenson held his own and managed to keep Russia off the scoreboard for almost forty minutes.

Russia enjoyed the bulk of possession time and kept the puck in the Danish zone and getting chances. Yevgeni Dadonov was particularly busy with several strong chances starting about eight minutes into the game. In all, Dadonov managed seven shots on goal in the game.

Vadim Shipachyov had an opportunity as Dadonov fed him a pass but at an angle that only led to a sharp angle shot that caught the pad. 

Russia found their scoring touch and showed what they are capable of when playing at a high level.

Bogdan Kiselevich scored first for Russia 15:36 of the second period. Artemi Panarin found Kiselevich with a pass and he took it uncontested towards the net firing a snap shot that went high past Sorenson.

"After we scored the first goal we got a jolt of energy and really showed our game." Kiselevich said.

Eighteen seconds later Sergei Plotnikov scored on a patient backhand with Sergei Andronov and Ivan Telegin picking up assists.

Finally, Nikita Gusev found the back of the net with help from Shipachyov and Dadonov at 16:46 but at that point the damage was done and Russia taking a commanding lead into the third period.

"We started to play like we can and created good chances and got those quick goals."Kucherov said of the period.

Despite being three goals down, Denmark did manage 13 shots on goal in the period but Andrei Vasilevski was impenetrable.

Both teams were incredibly disciplined. Only three minor penalties were called in the game.

In the third period Russia outshot Denmark 12-5 and 33-21 on the game. 

Sorenson, who celebrates his 22 birthday on May 15th, made 30 saves and was named best player for Denmark. Shipachyov earned the honor for Russia.

"It's been a disappointing tournament but we still have three games left." Nik Ehlers said. "We need to go out there and play like we did today - maybe even better - score on our chances and see where that takes us. But it's not going to affect the sport ahead of next year."

 

Back to Overview

OFFICIAL PARTNERS 2017 IIHF ICE HOCKEY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP