Vancouver 2010 Olympics: Men's Hockey - Russia Defeats Latvia in Their First Game

Russia took on Latvia in their first game of the men's hockey tournament at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Russia took the lead with their first goal coming about two and a half minutes into the first period. Their second goal was scored almost eight minutes into the first period. The first period ended with the Russians leading three to one after getting their third goal with about thirty seconds left in the period.

Latvia kept Russia from scoring for the majority of the second period. With under two minutes left in the second period while on a power play Russia scored their fourth goal. The goal was their first power play goal after being unable to take advantage of their first five power play chances.

A little over thirty seconds into the third period Latvia scored their first goal of the game. About thirty seconds later Russia regained their four goal lead by scoring their fifth goal of the game. Another thirty seconds and another Russian goal was scored in the third period increasing their lead to six over one.

The fourth goal of the third period was scored by the Russians a little over three minutes into the period. Latvia then scored their second goal about thirty seconds later on just their second shot of the third period. After the quick span of five goals within the first three and a half minutes of the third period there were no goals until there was only a minute left in the game and Russia scored their eighth goal.

Russia rather easily won the game. Even though the two goals by Latvia early in the third period was not enough it was part of an exciting beginning to the third and final period of the game. Overall both teams had several power play chances, but only one of Russia's goals was a power play goal while the other nine goals in the game were evenhanded goals, as there were not any shorthanded goals scored by either team.