Three goals in the second period was the difference as Russia chased American starter Spencer Knight en route to a 5-3 victory over the United States in Group B play at the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton, Alberta on Friday night.
Vasily Ponomaryov scored two goals in the win that gives Russia the first leg up in what is sure to be a tough group that also includes Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Austria.
A last ditch effort in the third period came up just short for Team USA. It was Russia’s first win against the United States at the World Juniors since 2016.