RUS vs. NOR: Russia breaks through - Up 2-0 after 40 minutes

From goat to hero: The Alexander Radulov story.

Former Nashville Predators forward and and current CSKA Moscow superstar Alexander Radulov was in the penalty box for both American goals during Russia's high-profile preliminary round loss this past weekend. He was almost benched against the Slovakian side in Russia's final game of the preliminary round.

But on Tuesday against Norway, Radulov has led a leery Russian side. The often frustrating and always controversial winger has been solid in all three zones; blocking shots on defense and leading the Russian attack in Norway's end of the rink.

Radulov opened the scoring in the second period with a wraparound flutterbuck. Then Radulov beat Lars Haugen with a backhand shot from the slot that hit the post. It looked like the puck was going to cross the goal line but Ilya Kovalchuk ensured it did, batting it out of the air to give Russia a two-goal cushion after 40 minutes.

After a tentative opening period, the Russians were flying in the second frame. The host side outshot the underdogs 14-6 in the second, and will look to hold that lead in the third period. If they can, they'll punch their ticket to the quarterfinal round, where they'll meet a rugged Finnish team.