Nikita Kucherov lifts Russia into semifinals
Nikita Kucherov - W - Tampa Bay Lightning
Jan. 2, 2013 - 11:30 AM ET
The heroics of Nikita Kucherov kept Russia alive at the World Junior Championship on Wednesday with a 4-3 shootout win over Switzerland.
The Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick scored with just 1:39 remaining in the third period to even the score at 3-3. He also scored the game-winning goal in the shootout and added assist in regulation. Kucherov has been Russia's most dangerous player at the tournament with five goals and seven points in five matches. The hosts were almost knocked out of medal contention, but with the win they will play Sweden on Thursday in the semifinals.
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