Team Russia defeated Finland 6-2 on Saturday in the semifinal round of the 2012 IIHF World Championship, propelling Russia into the championship game against the winner of the Czech Republic-Slovakia matchup. Alex Ovechkin scored a goal for Russia, his second in as many games since joining his national team after the Capitals were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Teamma Evgeni Malkin was dominant for Russia, notching a hat trick. Malkin, the NHL scoring champion this past season, is also the leader in points at the world championship. Goaltender Semyon Varlamov stopped 29 of the 31 shots he faced in net for Russia.
With Finland falling, the home ice failures of host nation's continues. No host team has won the tournament since the Soviet Union in 1986.
For more news and analysis on the Caps, visit Japers' Rink. For all your news on the NHL Playoffs, check out SB Nation's NHL hub.