Canada up 3-2 on Russia after two, now tied

January 3, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

It’s been a hard fought battle as Canada has gotten a stiff challenge from Russia in tonight’s second WJC semifinal at Scotia Bank Place in Ottawa.

They lead 3-2 thanks to a slew of power plays handed to them. Most of the penalties were warranted but I have to wonder how many man-advantages they need to win satisfying Pierre McGuire just to advance and meet Sweden, who got a pair of Mikael Backlund goals in a four-goal third eliminating Cinderella Slovakia and Jaroslav Janus (47 saves) 5-3.

Russia nearly went ahead while shorthanded when Ranger prospect Igor Grachev’s bid was gloved. Speaking of which, the final period is underway and the skilled Russian just scored on a breakaway going five-hole to tie it.

So, it’s now 3-3 1:18 into the third. Russia just took another penalty with Maxim Goncharov taking down Zach Boychuk. They cannot win this game by continuing to hand Canada power plays.

If frustrated Ranger fans want to see a more entertaining brand of hockey, then I advise watching this on NHL Network even if we have to put up with McGuire.