With a trifecta of players who play key roles for teams that have been bounced from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Russia overwhelmed Slovakia, 6-2, in the gold medal game of the IIHF World Championships Sunday. The game was played in the evening in Europe, and will be re-aired on tape delay at 9 p.m. Eastern on NBC Sports Network.
Russia Vs. Slovakia, 2012 IIHF World Championship Score: Alex Semin, Pavel Datsyuk Lead Russia To 6-2 Win
The Washington Capitals' Alexander Semin was Russia's main man, scoring two goals and adding an assist to lead the scoring charge. Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk had a goal and two assists and Semin's Caps teammate, Alex Ovechkin, had two assists of his own.
The Boston Bruins' Zdeno Chara, who was named to the all-tournament team, scored both goals for the Slovaks but his efforts weren't enough against the vastly more talented Russian squad. It was Russia's first win in the IIHF World Championships since 2009, and their third in five years. They are the first team since Canada (2003, 2004, 2007) to accomplish that feat, according to the IIHF's website.
Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins was named the tournament's MVP with 19 points, and scored one of his team's six goals in the final game.
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