Bobrovsky backstops Russians
Vladislav Namestnikov, Nikita Kucherov, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Vladimir Tarasenko scored on consecutive shots and Sergei Bobrovsky made 42 saves as Russia beat Team North America, 4-3, in a fastpaced, end-to-end game last night at the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.
Russia’s offense came alive with four goals in a 6:14 stretch during the second period to chase North America goaltender Matt Murray, who stopped the first 15 shots he faced. Backup John Gibson only faced four shots and stopped them all.
No. 1 draft pick Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored for North America (1-1), which outshot Russia, 45-23. Bobrovsky was brilliant as Russia (1-1) bounced back from a loss to Sweden.
North America wraps up round-robin play tomorrow against Sweden, while Russia faces Finland on Thursday. Europe 3, Czech Republic 2— Leon Draisaitl scored at 2:06 of overtime, taking a pass from Mats Zuccarello and beating goalie Petr Mrazek low on his blocker side as Europe (2-0) stayed atop Group A by beating the Czechs (0-2).
Bruins captain Zdeno Chara and Zuccarello scored in regulation while Jaroslav Halak stopped 28 shots for his second win of the tournament.
Jakub Voracek and Martin Hanzal responded for the Czech Republic, which is all but eliminated from advancing to the semifinals. Mrazek made 38 saves.
Chara opened the scoring at 10:04 of the second period, beating a screened Mrazek with a floater from the top of the faceoff circle.