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2013 World Juniors Game Thread: Russia vs Slovakia

Maybe Russia will pull a 2010 Olympics and choke against Slovakia? Probably not, but that would be really damn entertaining.

Russia is loaded with high end talent as usual, and Bruce Peter has previewed their roster here.

Making the confusing choice of going with 9 defensemen and 11 forwards for the tournament on home soil, there’s a lot of pressure on the Russian team to perform and win gold. Nail Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko are the big names to watch, while returning goaltenders Andrei Makarov and Andrei Vasilevski may give the Russians the strongest 1-2 punch in goal in the tournament, which will allow them to play run and gun.

Slovakia on the other hand, has a relatively weak squad this year, with two of their best players out with injury. Marek Tvrdon and Martin Gernat being out is a devastating blow for a small country like Slovakia.

Bruce Peter previewed the Slovakian roster here.

Game time is 9:30AM EST so strap in with your favourite beverage.

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