Andrei Markov scored a goal and added two assists to lead Russia to a 6-3 win over Switzerland on Sunday as the home team remained undefeated at the world championship.
With the Swiss back on the ice less than 24 hours following their 4-1 win over Denmark and Russia well rested, the hosts, chasing their first world title since 1993, took charge of the game right from the start.
Russia's Sergei Zinoviev opened the scoring just 34 seconds into the contest after a perfect feed from Danis Zaripov from behind the goal. The Russians, however, soon lost their top player, Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin, for the rest of the game.
Last year's NHL rookie of the year received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for a hit to the head of Valentin Wirz, who had to be helped to get back to the Swiss bench.
But Switzerland rarely threatened during their five-minute advantage while Ilya Kovalchuk doubled Russia's lead with a quick wrist shot into the top corner soon after getting back on the ice after serving Ovechkin's penalty.
Zaripov made it 3-0 midway through the second period before Mark Streit put the Swiss on the scoresheet with a minute left in the period.
Markov, Alexader Frolov and Petr Schastlivyi added third-period goals for the Russians, who now face defending champions Sweden, another unbeaten team in Group E, in the top-of-the-table clash on Monday.
Paul di Pietro and Marc Reichert replied for the Swiss, who also qualified for the quarter-finals by finishing in fourth place with six points. The Swedes take on their Nordic rivals Finland in the second game at Moscow's Khodynka Arena later on Sunday.
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