Saturday, August 11, 2012

Top threats quiet as summer tune-ups continue

Mikhail Grigorenko continued to show flashes of chemistry with Nail Yakupov (EDM) Friday but did not get in on the scoring as Russia doubled Canada 6-3 to even the 2012 Canada/Russia Challenge at one game apiece. The 6'3 center has one assist through the first two games of the series, which now shifts back to Halifax, Nova Scotia for its conclusion on Monday and Tuesday.

In other Friday action, Joel Armia was held off the score sheet for the third straight game as Finland was downed by Sweden 5-2 at the United States National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid. The Swedes, who were coming off a 10-2 blowout loss to Team USA the day before, finish the week with a 3-1 mark. Armia (4GP 1-0-1 8 PIM) will look to end the visit on a high note when Finland goes for their first win of the week versus Team USA on Saturday.

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EDIT: Check out Grigorenko's shifts from game #2 vs. Canada.