Photo: Winslow Townson

Team Russia defeated Norway 4-0 on Tuesday to advance to the quarterfinals tomorrow against Finland. Despite leading his countrymen in shots again today (4), Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin did not score. He hasn’t tallied since Russia’s first game and first goal of the Olympics against Slovenia – a drought of three games – though he leads all of Team Russia in shots fired (21).

Ovechkin spoke after the game to RBC.ru and was asked about the lack of goal scoring. He also had intense words about playing Finland.

You scored on your very first shift against Slovenia, but it hasn’t been working since.

Alex Ovechkin: Sticks are breaking [laughter]. We need to fix them.

Radulov sccored two goals.

AO: The whole team played well. We just need to use our scoring chances and put our shots on goal more often. That goes for me, Semin, Malkin – everybody.

What lessons should be learned from the game against Norway?

AO: The second period was excellent. I liked how we moved, controlled the puck.

What do you know about Finland?

AO: I don’t think it makes any sense to concentrate on anybody specifically. It’s going to be a fight to the death. Tomorrow is war, and we are ready for war.

Translation by Igor Kleyner.