Defending champion Sweden built a 2-0 first-period lead on host Russia in their semifinal matchup.
Sweden opened a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal by top 2013 NHL Draft prospect Elias Lindholm at the 6:35 mark. Lindholm took a pass from Victor Rask right in front of Russian goalie Andrey Vasilevskiy before sliding a backhand shot into the net.
The Swedes made it 2-0 at 9:38 when captain Filip Forsberg ripped a shot from between the circles that beat Vasilevskiy top shelf on the glove side.
The Swedes, who have succeeded in this tournament despite the absence of key defensemen Oscar Klefbom (shoulder), Jonas Brodin (clavicle) and Hampus Lindholm (concussion), dominated the opening 20 minutes. Sweden held a 14-2 shot advantage over Russia in the opening 20 minutes.
Vasilevskiy finished with 12 saves in the period. Sweden goalie Niklas Lundstrom needed to make just two stops.