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Russian goaltender Bobrovsky a lone bright spot in semifinal loss to Canada

Sep 24, 2016 | 8:00 PM

TORONTO — Through all the defensive chaos, poor decisions and sloppy play from Team Russia in the early going of Saturday’s World Cup of Hockey semifinal, one player remained dominant.

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 42-of-47 shots overall and almost single-handedly kept his squad in the game at Air Canada Centre. The Canadians used their powerful offence to keep the pressure on Bobrovsky and the host side eventually pulled away for a 5-3 victory.

“That’s why he’s one of the best goalies in the league, in the world,” said Russian forward Alex Ovechkin. “He played unbelievable.”

A Sidney Crosby deke was Bobrovsky’s lone hiccup in the opening period.

The 28-year-old netminder, who won the Vezina Trophy with Columbus in 2013, was lightning quick in a post-to-post motion to deny Steven Stamkos later in the first. Corey Perry was left alone in front early in the second period but was denied by a pad save.

Joe Thornton nearly shovelled the puck in later in the stanza but Bobrovsky got a piece of it. His steady play gave the Russians a boost and they took advantage with a pair of goals.

But Bobrovsky had no chance on a Brad Marchand one-timer that pulled Canada even. He made a sprawling save on Marchand’s tip-in attempt early in the third period but was beaten cleanly when the Canadian forward fired a snapshot from the slot moments later.

Perry was left alone in front and buried a loose puck to make it 4-2. Bobrovsky dived to his left but couldn’t get there in time and John Tavares eventually sealed the win when he wired a shot into the top corner.

“He was making tremendous saves but when you have 47 shots, you’re going to score on him,” said Canadian defenceman Marc-Edouard Vlasic. “We said, ‘Just keep shooting, it’ll go in.’ And that’s what happened.”

After giving up a fifth goal, Bobrovsky stood with his arm resting on the crossbar as the Canadians celebrated. His slumped frame looked despondent, as if he had nothing else to give.

“I felt great, I tried to do as much as I can for the team,” Bobrovsky said. “I worked hard, I gave everything I had. But they were better than us today.”

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Follow @GregoryStrongCP on Twitter.

 

 

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press