SOCHI -- Alexander Radulov might be scratched for Russia's game Sunday against Slovakia, coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov said through an interpreter following the 3-2 shootout loss to the United States on Saturday.
"We expected more out of him," Bilyaletdinov said. "He was not really living up to his expectation today. Scratched? Yeah, he needs to be scratched, among other things."
Radulov was called for two minor penalties that led to both regulation goals for the U.S.
He was guilty of cross checking Dustin Brown in the second period, leading to Cam Fowler's game-tying goal with 3:26 to play in the period. He was also called for hooking Patrick Kane 9:27 into the third period, leading to Joe Pavelski's go-ahead power-play goal one minute later.
However, Radulov did have an assist and set a screen on Russia's disallowed goal in nearly 21 minutes of ice time.
Bilyaletdinov also said he was not aware that Russia president Vladimir Putin was in attendance at Bolshoy Ice Dome until after the game was over.
"I was in what I would call a working ecstasy," Bilyaletdinov said. "I wasn't shaking. As for Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin], I only found out after the game [that he was watching]."
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