The Russians will look to rebound from a tough shootout loss to the Americans as they close out the group-stage portion of their tournament against the disappointing Slovaks this afternoon.
The game is scheduled to start at 12:30 GMT.
In the UK, the game airs live on BBC’s interactive service, while live coverage is available online with bet365.
Preview:
In what is being dubbed the ‘game of the tournament’ thusfar, the Russians were full value for a win against the United States on Saturday, but came up just short in a shootout, thanks in large part to the heroics of American forward T.J. Oshie. The 3-2 was the Russians first of the tournament, but there were still some promising signs to take out of it, including the play of captain Pavel Datsyuk.
Datsyuk had both regulation goals for the Russians on Sunday, which is remarkable when you consider that, just over a week ago, there were serious questions as to whether he would be healthy enough to participate in the Olympics at all. Sunday demonstrated how game-breaking Datsyuk can be, as his individual skill and tenacity was instrumental in setting up and executing both goals for the Russians. They will hope that this isn’t a fluke, and that he can continue this form through the balance of the tournament.
Goaltending is an interesting question for the Russians, if only because, in two games, their two more-than-capable starters have both looked solid, and have both allowed two goals. Semyon Varlamov made fewer saves in the game against the Slovenes, but perhaps made more skilled ones. Sergei Bobrovsky was peppered by a much more skilled American team, but fell apart at the most crucial time in the shootout. It will be interesting to see who the coaching staff rolls with on Sunday, as it will undoubtedly be indicative of who they want between the pipes going forward.
It has been a tournament of great disappointment for the Slovaks, who were coming off such a wonderful performance at Vancouver 2010. They lost the opening game in tremendous fashion, 7-1 to the Americans, and then were soundly embarrassed by the underdog Slovenes 3-1 on Sunday. It gets no easier for them, as they finish off their group stage against the strong Russians.
One of the biggest surprises of the tournament has been the poor play of Slovak captain Zdeno Chara, participating in his fourth Olympic Games. Chara has always been an immovable pillar of strength for the Slovaks on the back end, and so his abysmal performance at the Games thusfar has been puzzling at best. As he and Andrej Sekera are the Slovaks only real consistent defensemen, the team will be desperate for him to regain his flagging form in the last match before knock out.
Goaltender Jaroslav Halak has also been a massive disappointment, letting in 10 goals in 2 games and looking tired and out of position on most. He is still the go-to-guy for the Slovaks, as he was in Vancouver, if only because he has the experience, and theoretically more game breaking skill than back up Peter Budaj. Still, if the Slovaks are soundly thumped again in Game 3, figure a goaltending change to be in the offing as they move onto the elimination round.
The Russians will be out for blood after Saturday’s heartbreaking loss to the Americans. The Slovaks, struggling at both ends of the ice as they are, represent perfect prey.
For Slovakia to pull of the mother of all upsets here, they will need a full four-line effort, and a much more consistent performance from their two most crucial players, Chara and Halak. As it stands, it’s difficult to imagine it coming against the Russians, but they are still a skilled enough team to at least put up a respectable showing.
