Alexander Popov scored the only goal of the game Sunday, as Russia edged the Czech Republic 1-0 to win the ROSNO Cup ice-hockey tournament in Moscow. Popov's second period (37:42) goal from close range was assisted by Alexander Perezhogin, and gave Russia its first title in four years.
Russia won all three of its games and collected nine points to top the standings. Finland earned five points and finished second in the four-nation tournament, after beating Sweden 3-0 behind two goals from Tomy Salmelainen and one from Janne Niinimaa.
The Czech Republic finished with three points, while Sweden was last with one point.
The ROSNO Cup is the successor to the tournament originally known as the Izvestia Cup. It was later called the Baltika Cup. The ROSNO Cup is the second leg of the Euro Hockey Tour. Finland won the opening event, the Karjala Cup, in November. The third leg, the Sweden Hockey Games, is scheduled for February.
The two best teams from the three events will contest a two-leg playoff for the title in April.
Some information provided by AP.
