USA and Russia played to a scoreless first period after some good chances at both ends in the second semi-final match of the day.
Just under two weeks ago, the same two teams battled it out in an exciting preliminary round game, with the Americans eventually taking the 5-2 victory. This time, however, the Russians came back hungrier than ever. Finishing just two points behind the Americans for first in Group B, the Russians added Alex Ovechkin for the semi-finals just days after the Washington Capitals were eliminated by the New York Rangers in the NHL playoffs. The scoring superstar proved to be a welcome addition to the team, taking two shots right off the back as the Russians tried to grab the game’s first goal.