Russia beats Norway 4-0, dodges hockey elimination

SOCHI, Russia: When Alexander Radulov pumped both fists and let loose a jubilant scream, an entire hockey nation also exhaled for a day.

Although the Russians are undeniably laboring through their home Olympics, a few timely goals and two brilliant goalies are keeping them alive in their hunt for gold.

Radulov had two goals and an assist, and Russia survived its first elimination game in Sochi with a 4-0 victory Tuesday over Norway in the qualification round.

Sergei Bobrovsky made 22 saves in the second straight shutout victory for the fifth-seeded Russians, who earned a meeting with Finland in the quarterfinals Wednesday.

Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexey Tereshenko also scored, but the Russians knew they barely survived another tense afternoon at the Bolshoy Ice Dome.

Russia was clinging to a 2-0 lead before doubling it in the final 1:07.
Russia must win four games in six days to claim its first hockey gold medals in 22 years after failing to earn a bye to the quarterfinals.

The Russians were forced into two shootouts in the preliminary round, losing to T.J. Oshie and the U.S. before squeaking out a 1-0 win over Slovakia.

The powerful Russian lineup again struggled early against winless Norway, but Radulov´s soft backhand finally beat Lars Haugen early in the second period. (AP)