Russia Looks To Avenge Loss To U.S.
While the Russians were hinting mischievously about some secret strategy for tonight’s World Cup semifinal game against the United States, the Americans were not being coy about their game plan.
“We’ve got to approach this aggressively,” coach Ron Wilson said.
“I guess you call it in-your-face hockey,” defenseman Chris Chelios said.
“Just come out and hit everything in sight,” forward Brett Hull said.
That has been the plan of the U.S. team throughout the tournament - employing a perfect blend of size, skill, aggressiveness and forechecking that beat Russia, Canada and Slovakia in the first round.
The Americans’ consistency stands in stark contrast to the Russians, who looked competent but never exceptional in beating Canada and Finland and miserable in losing to the Americans 5-2. Russia has a history of cruising through the early games before playing up to the big event in international competitions, a history the Russians are banking upon.
“I think it’s going to be a different game,” center Alexei Yashin said.
The winner of the U.S.-Russia game will face the winner of Saturday night’s Sweden-Canada in a best-of-three series for the title.