Canada took advantage of a five-minute power play midway through the first period to take a 2-1 lead against Russia after one period in their preliminary round finale.
The winner of the game claims first place in Group B and earns a bye into the semifinals, while the loser finishes second in the group and plays Switzerland in the quarterfinals Wednesday.
Russia's Valeri Nichushkin, a top 2013 NHL Draft prospect, was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for a hit from behind at 11:44 of the period.