Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin is the undoubted star of Russia’s ice hockey team, Czech Republic coach Alois Hadamczik told RIA Novosti on Saturday.
After thrashing co-host Sweden 7-3 on Friday, Russia tops Group B as the only unbeaten team and will play the Czech Republic on Sunday.
Malkin notched up three goals and two assists against Sweden, making him the tournament top goalscorer with six goals, plus another five assists.
“Russia has two teams – one is Malkin’s line and the other is the rest of the squad,” Hadamczik said.
“Malkin’s a very strong player, he’s got good technique, plays into contact, a real master.”
“We have to defend well and be disciplined, not getting an unnecessary penalty that might ruin our game. We wouldn’t like to give the Russians the advantage of a power play.”
Russia will be missing defensemen Dmitry Kalinin and Alexei Yemelin, who were both suspended for the match by the International Ice Hockey Federation on Sunday for fouls against Sweden forward Johan Franzen.
The Czech Republic is third in Group B, four points behind Russia and one behind Sweden. The Czechs’ only defeat so far is a 4-1 loss to Sweden last week.
