Russia 2 Czech Republic 1
Russia was the fist team on the night to go out to a 2-0 start in the tournament, though there win was a little harder won. With 2:55 left in the first, Artyom Galimov netted the opening goal.
Then in with 4:57 left in the second, Red Deer Rebels defenseman Alexander Alexeyev set up Nikoali Kovalenko for the 2-0 Russian lead.
The Czech Republic answered right back just 47 seconds later thanks to Jachym Kondelik’s face (the puck went off him and ended up going in) but would get no closer. Tri-City Americans forward Krystof Hrabik nearly got another goal, a game after hitting the post but still has somehow not found the net, despite playing well.
Great scoring chance from Krystof Hrabik after he caught the Russian D standing around. No luck on the play, though. #WJC2019 pic.twitter.com/HYJXPBAyuK
— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisNHL) December 29, 2018
The Czech Republic is now 0-2 and Russia is 2-0. Canada and Russia are both atop Group A with six points. The Czechs play Canada tomorrow and Russia takes on Switzerland Sunday.
WHL notables:
Russia
Alexander Alexeyerv (Red Deer) – 1 assist – +1 – 2 shots on goal – 23:50 time on ice (led team)
Czech Republic
Krystof Hrabik (Tri-City) – 1 shot on goal – minus 1 – 16:32 time on ice
Filip Kral (Spokane) – 1 shot on goal – minus 1 – 19:23 time on ice
Jiri Patera (Brandon) – did not play
USA 8 Kazakhstan 2
Meanwhile over in Group B in Victoria, the United States flew past Kazakhstan, giving them a 2-0 record.
Joel Farabee notched three goals for the United States – all in the first period and Jason Robertson had four assists in the 8-2 win.
Kazakhstan is now 0-2 and has been outscored 13-2. They next play on Sunday against Slovakia.
The United States is atop Group B with Sweden and they take them on tomorrow in a key game.
