ST. PAUL, Minn. -- With some NHL stars opting not to play, Team Russia was considered vulnerable in the World Cup of Hockey.
The Russians sure didn't play like it against one of their old rivals.
Alexei Kovalev scored the go-ahead goal and minor-league goaltender Illya Bryzgalov held his own against the American stars, helping Russia beat the United States 3-1 Thursday night.
Bryzgalov, property of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, had 20 saves, and Dainius Zubrus and Viktor Kozlov also scored in the opener for Russia, which dealt Team USA its second consecutive loss.
A handful of Russian fans, some wearing old Soviet Union jerseys, consistently made more noise than the American crowd. Their team gave them plenty to cheer for, outhustling an American squad with high-profile NHL players.
Kovalev said his country's old style of play isn't lost on the current players whose uniforms are now red, white and blue.
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| Robert Esche matches his number with 42 saves, but falls to 0-2 in the World Cup. (Getty Images) |
The Russians were successful without high-profile players such as Sergei Fedorov, Alex Zhamnov, Valeri Bure and goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin.
The Americans, meanwhile, got off to a slow start for the second straight game and fell to 0-2 in the tournament. Team USA lost to Canada 2-1 on Tuesday night in Montreal.
"We're really embarrassed with the way we came out and played this hockey game," St. Louis Blues forward Keith Tkachuk said. "We've got to turn this around."
Coach Ron Wilson hinted he might make some lineup changes for Team USA's Friday night game against Slovakia.
"You can't play on your reputation, you have to play on the ice," Wilson said.
