World Cup of Hockey: Russia vs. Canada recap, full highlights

In a game that was closer than it should’ve been, Canada advanced to the final of the World Cup of Hockey with a 5-3 win over Russia.

The first World Cup of Hockey semifinal was played between Canada and Russia. While it’s a classic hockey rivalry, and promised to be an exciting game, everyone was hung up on the fact that Team North America wasn’t facing Canada. They were by far the most exciting team, and a win over Canada would’ve been the greatest moment of those young players’ careers, but at least with Canada vs. Russia, everyone in the crowd knew who to cheer for. Thankfully, the game ended up being as good as advertised.

Canada came out like a house on fire in the first period. Sidney Crosby, who’s been so good all tournament long, got his third goal of the World Cup. The shot total after one was 17-7 in favor of Canada, and Sergei Bobrovsky was the only reason they didn’t lead by more than 1-0.

The second period started out as pure domination for Canada. They held a 9-0 advantage in shots, and practically held the puck on a string. But their first shot of the period came 10 minutes in on a two-on-one, and while Nikita Kucherov’s shot was beautiful, a big contributing factor to that goal had to be Carey Price’s long period of inactivity. It was almost like watching a boxer do the rope-a-dope.

Evgeny Kuznetsov gave the Russians the lead, but Canada plays best when they’re behind. Just like how they responded quickly after trailing to USA, Brad Marchand tied the game up 72 seconds later. Crosby was at the center of that goal, as the Russians simply couldn’t get him off the puck.

Once the third period started, the Crosby line was at it again. Bobrovsky absolutely robbed Marchand point blank, but he wouldn’t be denied his second goal much longer. He scored just after the minute mark to put Canada back into the lead. After making 31 saves through two periods, it was clear that Bobrovsky was beyond fatigued, and Canada capitalized on it. Corey Perry and John Tavares scored shortly thereafter to put this game beyond reach.

Highlights

Players of the Game

Sergei Bobrovsky came into the semifinal as arguably the best goalie of the World Cup, but this was his best game. He finished with 42 total saves and kept his team in the game. While Russia didn’t win, there’s only so much he can do. The five goals he gave up is hardly an indicator of how great he was.

Sidney Crosby, meanwhile, proved why he is the best player in the world. There was a period where people actually questioned that title when he couldn’t make it back to the Stanley Cup Final since 2009. But with another Cup under his belt, and another dominant display against Russia, there should be no doubt. At just 29 years old, Crosby has won practically every competition a hockey player can win. But he can add to his collection with a win at the World Cup.

What’s Next

Canada will face the winner of Europe vs. Sweden, which will take place on September 25 at 1 PM. Just like the first World Cup of Hockey, the Final will be a best of three series. The dates for those games are September 27, 29, and (if necessary) October 1. The first two games will be at 8 PM while the third game will be at 7 PM.

Next: NHL's All-Time Canadian First and Second Teams

Canada already played Europe in their last group game, and brushed them aside 4-1 with relative ease. A final with Sweden would be a rematch of the Gold Medal Game from Sochi, and it would no doubt be an exciting series. But Canada has now made it to the Final of every World Cup, and whoever they play, they should be a heavy favorite to win it for the second time.