The game started with Andrei Vasilevski in the nets for Russia. First goal for RUS was pretty quick to come by when captain Yevgeni Kuznetsov scored a shorthanded redlighter setting an example for his team mates and clearly mapping the ultimate aim – securing the semifinal berth. The “relay baton” was taken by Maxim Shalunov who doubled the lead by 9th minute into the first period.

In the second period, Roman Berdnikov scored another goal and in the third he made it his double putting his team into a seemingly comfortable 4-0 lead by the 43rd minute of the game. However, the Swiss, in a fine display of fighting spirit overshot Russia in the second and third periods and were rewarded for their stubborn effort. With five minutes remaining, they made it 4-1, in the next 30 seconds 4-2 and, with one minute to go, 4-3. The game ended with this score in favor of Russia taking them to the semifinal against Sweden – winners of Group A.

Mikhail Vasiliev: “We won but, again, made bad mistakes”

Russian head coach speaking at a post-game press conference shared his comment on the game, his players’ future and junior hockey situation in Russia.
- Well, the game was under our control up to a certain time whereupon unfortunate blunders took their toll, while the Swiss added in movement, displayed great character and scoring edge in which they eventually succeeded. I wish to repeat: Switzerland is a very uncomfortable opponent for any team, even a smallest loss of concentration may overturn the game upside down.

- Could you comment on Andrei Vasilevski’s performance?

- I can’t blame him for any of the three goals allowed. We counted on him, and he played very solidly displaying his goaltending talent. I want to thank him for his great effort and state that he was one of those who paved our way to victory.

-What was the reason behind Russian team’s slump toward the end of the game?

- Well, we deal with young players, you know, and, though living a professional hockey life, they are vulnerable to be carried away by uncontrolled emotions, which, in this particular game, first led to a blunder at our blue line resulting in the first goal. They passionately tried to come back but instead turmoil ensued. I attribute this situation to their overanxious desire to score which is generally characteristic for junior hockey at this level.

- Have you seen Sweden in action?

- Yes we have. On video. SWE v SUI that was. Good game, with great speed. At times SWE played a higher quality hockey but SUI stood up to them quite well and could have created a lot of problems for the opposition. We’ll put Sweden’s games to scrutiny tomorrow and see what we could do against them. It’s gonna be a tough, hard match.

-Some people here say Russia lacks teamwork, team spirit…How could you comment on such a statement?

- To some extent it is true. That was especially evident in group phase games. But I can’t say it’s true for this particular one. All through the game, up to 55th minute, they played as instructed, abiding strictly by the plan we set for them. And that plan emphasized teamwork as key factor.

- Six years ago Russia did win World title here in Minsk and Yevgenii Malkin who later became world hockey star shone at the Tournament. Could you possibly finger a player who might reach same level?

- Quite possible. But I’d abstain from singling out any player. That would be incorrect on my part. There are talented players on this team but this age is specific, you know. It may happen that today’s good player, an ordinary good player would spring to fame next season, capable of playing hockey at top  international level.  Sure, I frankly hope that the boys turning in successful performance here will some day play on the Russian National A team.

-Could you comment on the development pyramid of hockey in Russia starting from tender years up? Are you happy with the generation you deal with?

- Well, to answer this question one should be deeper involved in the process. I only can share my views on the level of junior A hockey. I think the Junior Hockey League is a good idea, as kids playing there (who later are invited to junior national teams of different age groups) have excellent exposure and experience playing on a regular basis in a championship and play-off format. As far as the grass roots are concerned, of course I am happy to see so many ice rinks and hockey schools mushrooming across the country with so many eager kids involved.

Russia - Switzerland 4:3 (2:0, 1:0, 1:3)
Goals: 1:0 Kuznetsov 5:45 SH1; 2:0 Shalunov (Gurkin) 8:16; 3:0 Berdnikov (Stepanov, Kuznetsov) 30:15; 4:0 Berdnikov (Kuznetsov, Kartayev) 42:16 PP1: 4:1 Schmutz (Kukan) 55:07; 4:2 Leuenberger (Martschini, Trutmann) 55:42; 4:3 Hofmann (Bartschi) 58:56
Goalies: Vasilevski - Meili

Russian Ice Hockey Federation Press Service