Russia vs. Czech Republic - 02-21-10
-Goals or saves usually dictate the momentum of a game. Occasionally a hit or a fight can do that, but it's fairly rare. Alex Ovechkin did the rare today. He completley changed teh direction of this game with his devastating hit on Jaromir Jagr in the third period. It forced a turnover that led to Evgeni Malkin's eventual game-winning goal. Furthermore, it sucked the life out of the Czechs for most of the game and led Russia to a 4-2 win.
-Amazing what some new linemates can do for Malkin huh? He gets teamed with his rivals from Washington, Ovechkin and Semin and comes through with a three-point game.
-We were impressed by the Russians' defensive game. They really limited the Czechs' attack and cut down on the quality scoring chances Evgeni Nabokov had to deal with.
-Pavel Datsyuk (above, with Malkin and Ovechkin) showed why he might be the most complete player on Russia's roster. He was so tough defensively, strong on faceoffs and he offers an offensive presence almost on par with the likes of Ovehckin and Malkin.
-Has anyone seen Ilya Kovalchuk?
-Even before the Ovechkin hit, Jagr had a huge let down. He was just a non-factor for most of the game. He needs to carry this team if it has any medal hopes.
-How happy were Capitals fans over that hit?
-Russia ended up with a 31-25 lead in shots.
-Ovechkin led the game with five shots. He also had two assists.
-Tomas Plekanec and Patrik Elias each led the Czech with three shots.
-Datsyuk led the game with 20:18 of ice time.
-Tomas Kaberle led the Czechs with 19:52.
-Evgeni Malkin had 18:43 of ice time, two goals, one assist, three shots and was a plus-2.
-Sergei Gonchar had 16:50, three shots and was a plus-2.
-Aleksey Morozov had 10:39, two shots and was a minus-1.
-Jaromir Jagr had 15:28 two shots and was a minus-2.
-Dejan Kovacevic dug up some quotes.
(Photo: Associated Press)