Washington Capitals top prospect goaltender Ilya Samsonov won a bronze medal Thursday after Team Russia defeated Team Sweden 2-1. Samsonov was arguably Russia’s best player, stopping 38 of 39 shots.
According to the IIHF, this is Russia’s seventh straight World Junior medal. The streak includes gold (2011), silver (2012, 2015, 2016), and bronze (2013, 2014, 2017).
In a scoreless first period, Russia was outshot by Sweden 15-3 after taking three minor penalties. Samsonov was fantastic, stopping every shot. In the second period, Russia took a 1-0 lead with a goal by Kirill Kaprizov 16 seconds into the frame. Five minutes later, Samsonov appeared to injure his left leg after Swede Carl Grundstrom collided with him in the crease. Samsonov would remain in the game however.
Sweden tied the contest midway through the second period, after a turnover by Yegor Rykov right in front of the net. The score would remain 1-1 for the remaining period and a half, forcing overtime.
33 seconds into the extra session, Denis Guryanov gave Russia the thrilling OT win after a turnover by Sweden.
Russia wins the bronze in OT pic.twitter.com/SGtL5rhkmc
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) January 5, 2017
The bronze medal marks Samsonov’s second as a member of Team Russia. Last year, Samsonov won silver as the team’s backup goaltender.
@russiahockey sings their national anthem with such pride after beating Sweden for the bronze medal! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/te73jzHrGn
— IIHF WJC (@iihf_wjc) January 5, 2017
Mikhail Vorobiev is king of hats pic.twitter.com/NS2E9Xv3wy
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) January 5, 2017
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