Russian ice hockey team claims victory over Latvia

The Russian men's ice hockey team has stormed into the Olympic tournament quarterfinals in Turin, Italy with a dominating 9-2 victory over Latvia.

Photo: Russian ice hockey team claims victory over Latvia

After dropping the opener to Slovakia, 5-3, Russia has won three straight games by a combined score of 15-2. Ilya Kovalchuk scored four goals Sunday with two in each of the first two periods.

Russian goaltender Evgeni Nabokov posted consecutive shutout victories over Sweden and Kazakhstan with 48 saves. Although he allowed one goal by Latvia, he faced only seven shots in two periods before being replaced by his back-up.

Russia's victory put the eight-time Olympic champions into the quarterfinals and also clinched a spot for Sweden. Slovakia advanced with a win over the United States (2-1) on Saturday, leaving one remaining spot from Group-B, reports Voice Of America.

I.L.