Russia holds off Czech Republic in pre-tournament clash

Russia's skill shone through and eventually proved to be the difference in a 4-3 win over the Czech Republic on Thursday, the first pre-tournament clash for both countries in advance of the World Cup of Hockey.

Artemi Panarin and Evgeny Dadonov each scored and added an assist, and Sergei Bobrovsky made 29 saves, including a remarkable post-to-post stop on Tomas Plekanec in the closing moments, to preserve the exhibition win.

The Czechs jumped out to an early lead on a goal from Michal Kempny less than four minutes into the contest, but Panarin, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Nikita Kucherov accounted for the next three to give Russia a two-goal lead heading into the third.

Dadonov quickly re-established Russia's two-goal cushion after Martin Hanzal scored seven minutes into the final frame, but the Czechs made it interesting late when Plekanec scored with under three minutes left in regulation.

Panarin, Dadonov, and Vadim Shipachyov, who have one full season of NHL experience between them, were the most dangerous trio throughout the contest, creating havoc around Petr Mrazek, who made 24 saves in defeat.

The teams will meet again Saturday.