Russia Eliminates France To Advance To Semis At 2014 Ice Hockey World Championship

Igor Burdetskiy May 22, 2014

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MINSK, BELARUS - MAY 9: Russian players celebrate after taking a 5-0 lead over Switzerland during preliminary round action at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

If there was any team to fear going into the quarter-finals round for undefeated Russia then France surely was that one team. France delivered three upsets through the preliminary round on their way to qualifying for the quarter-finals but today’s matchup against Russia would prove to be one tall task. Russia dominated play as it did through most of their first seven games and went on to shutout France 3-0 to move on to the semi-finals where they will take on last year’s defending gold champion, Sweden.

Alexander Ovechkin returned for today’s game after suffering an injury in Russia’s sixth preliminary game against Germany. Ovechkin sat out Russia’s game against Belarus giving him extra time to rest up to play against France but was held scoreless in the game. Meanwhile Evgeni Malkin knotted a goal and picked up an assist in today’s game as Russia scored a goal in each period along their way to victory.

It’s never easy staying undefeated for as long as Russia has and if they plan to play for the gold medal then Russia will have to win their ninth straight game. Sweden however has been one of the most consistent teams even when they have had not so great periods against weaker opponents through the tournament. With Canada knocked out for their fifth straight year in the quarter-finals, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that the winner beaten Russia and Sweden could very much go on to win it all this year. However on the opposing end Finland’s slow start and the Czech Republic’s lack of finishing teams will either come back to haunt them or be a thing in the past if either team goes the distance.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!