Kovalenko Scores In Russia's Win

Russia claimed its second victory of the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on Friday. The game at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, saw Colorado Avalanche prospects on both sides of the battle.
Russia grabbed a 1-0 lead on a goal from Artyom Galimov late in the first period before Avalanche prospect Nikolai Kovalenko tallied with 4:57 remaining in the second frame. Kovalenko's marker came on a shorthanded, 2-on-1 rush and proved to be the game-winner.

There was a scary moment after the goal however, as Kovalenko slid hard, shoulder-first into the end boards. He was able to return to action and play 7:43 in the third stanza.
Russian defenseman and fellow Colorado prospect Danila Zhuravlyov had one shot on goal in 15:36 of ice time and posted a plus-1 rating for the game.
Martin Kaut, the Avs' first-round selection (16th overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft, finished second on the Czech Republic in ice time with 22:51, just one second behind team leader Martin Necas. Kaut put two shots on net in the loss after notching a goal and an assist on Wednesday in the Czech's overtime victory against Switzerland.
Russia will play again on Sunday against Switzerland, while the Czech Republic will next return to action in a clash with host Canada on Saturday.