Russia gets the first Olympic win over Latvia (Photo © Getty Images)
Russia got an easy win in the first game of the 2010 Olympics against Latvia. Team Russia didn’t look overly impressive, most likely saving some energy for the games against better opponents. Alexander Ovechkin and Danis Zaripov scored two goals each in team Russia’s 8-2 win.
KHL players got the first two goals of the match. Danis Zaripov opened the score after a couple of minutes thanks a great pass by Sergei Fedorov, while Alexander Radulov made it a 2-0 game at 7:46. Alexander Ovechkin scored the third goal for Russia with only thirty seconds to go in the first period.
In the second period Russia relaxed and left little room to Lavtia. They scored only one goal, with Evgeni Malkin.
The third stanza has been more frenetic, at least on its start. Latvia stripped out Evgeny Nabokov of the shut out with a goal by Herberts Vasiljevs. After this goal Russia pushed the gas and got three quick goals, with Ovechkin, Zaripov and Ilya Kovalchuk. A quick shot by Gints Ankipans surprised Nabokov for the 7-2. Alexei Morozov scored the eight goal for Russia with just about one minute to play.
Evgeni Nabokov stopped 18 shots for Russia.
Team Russia’s next match will be on February 18th against Team Slovakia.
nabokov did a good job except that last goal.
good luck finding tickets for russias next game, i know i cant get any…
Thanks Ilya for your comment. I too think that Nabby had a nice game, but allowed a soft goal, but it’s just the first match. We’ll see against Slovaks. I can’t wait already
As always exciting to watch Russia.As your neighbour to the east I get to see KHL, and I belive russian hockey is getting more and more fascinating.Really looking forward to the game against Slovakia.
Hello Trondsky. Where are you from? How did you discover our website?
From Norway.Googled russian hockey and this way I found the site.Keep up the good work.