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Lightning’s Vasilevski leads Russia past Germany with 41-save shutout

2012 World Junior Hockey Championships - Semifinal - Canada v Russia

CALGARY, CANADA - JANUARY 3: Andrei Vasilevski #30 of Team Russia stops the puck on an attempt by Jonathan Huberdeau #11 of Team Canada during the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship Semifinal game at the Saddledome on January 3, 2012 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Team Russia defeated Team Canada 6-5. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

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Russia’s quest to win a gold medal on home soil took another step forward with its 7-0 victory over Germany. After winning three straight games -- two of them in regulation -- Russia now leads Group B with eight points.

Tampa Bay Lightning 2012 first-round pick Andrei Vasilevski was peppered by Germany, but he held strong. He faced at least 11 shots in each period and made 41 saves before the game was over.

2012 first overall pick Nail Yakupov also came up big for Russia with a goal and an assist.

Russia will concluded the preliminary round with a contest against Team Canada on Monday. If Russia is able to beat them in regulation or overtime, then they will secure the top seed in the division and be able to skip the quarterfinals.

In other WJC News...

Viktor Arvidsson led the way for Sweden with two goals in its 5-1 victory over Latvia. Montreal Canadiens prospect Sebastian Collberg had a goal and an assist in Saturday’s match.

Sweden will play against Finland on Monday and simply needs to win that contest to secure the top seed in Group A.