LILLEHAMMER – Russia came through in the shootout to defeat Finland 2-1 and maintain its hold atop the 2016 Youth Olympic men’s preliminary round standings.

Captain Alexander Khovanov had a total of four penalty shots in the game - one in regulation and three in the shootout - converting on the fourth attempt to preserve Russia’s undefeated record.

“I got to have some shooting practice today,” said Khovanov after the game. “I didn’t expect to have to shoot so much but finally I was able to get one in to win it.”

Tied 1-1 in the third period, the team’s best chance to win in regulation came when Khovanov was brought down by Uula Ruikka on a sure chance in front of the net. But on the penalty shot goalie Jimi Ususitalo was there with the pad save to keep the score even.

Without a goal the teams went to a shootout, going several rounds before Khovanov scored with a triple backhand deke. Arttu Nevasaari was able to reply for his team, but two rounds later Khovanov scored with another backhander, and Miftakhov made a stick save on Jasper Rannisto to give Russia the victory.

Russia got on the board first in the game, when Khovanov took the puck into the Finnish zone along the right boards hit Andrei Svechnikov right on the stick with a long cross-ice pass. The team scoring leader made no mistake, wiring the puck into the roof of the net.

For most of the game the Finns did not have an answer for the Russian defence and goaltender Amir Miftakhov, who had a great game against Team USA in Russia’s opener. Throughout the game the Russian blueliners in front of Miftakhov did a great job closing down the Finns’ shooting lanes.

“They were tough defensively, we weren’t able to get clean looks on the net,” said Finnish captain Toni Utunen.

Still, with 3:34 remaining his teammate Jesperi Kotkaniemi jumped on the loose puck in front of the net after a shot from Toni Utunen, knotting up the score at 1-1, which held until Khovanov’s winner.

“We played very good defending the puck today, that’s why we won,” said Khovanov.

His coach however, was reluctant to overly praise his team.

“You can’t always be 100% satisfied,” said head coach Yevgeni Filinov. “A great defensive team doesn’t let any goals in, and a good offensive teams can score 13 goals.”

Still Filinov has to be happy with his team’s play. In the opener against Canada Russia played with an aggressive and fast offence, but against the Finns the team turned it into a defensive game and again came through with the win.

Russia has one more preliminary round test coming against Team USA, while Finland faces Canada in its final preliminary round game.  

ADAM STEISS