The clash began with an early goal from Russia getting called back. A review showed that Nikita Shashkov intentionally directed the puck into the net with his skate, and Oliver Wahlstrom of the U.S. capitalized on the momentum by tallying late in the first period to complete a strong shift.
The Russians then took a penalty 2:33 into the second stanza, allowing the Americans to extend their lead to 2-0 as Alexander Chmelevski scored while time on the U.S. power play was running out. Russia's Gregori Denisenko cut the deficit in half in the middle of the frame, scoring the final marker of the game. Team Russia outshot Team USA 15-7 in the third period, but neither squad found the back of the net in the concluding 20 minutes.
It was the first game of the tournament that the Russians have lost, as they had been 5-0-0 record previously.
Zhuravlyov had 13:38 of ice time over 19 shifts on Friday and has registered one assist in the six games he's played in the tournament. Kovalenko recorded four shots on goal in Friday's outing and spent 14:20 on the ice. He has generated three points (one goal, two assists) over five World Junior contests and has a plus-4 rating.
Team Russia will now compete against Switzerland for the bronze medal on Saturday to wrap up the tournament. Puck drop is slated for 2 p.m. MT. Team USA will take on Finland in the championship final at 5 p.m. MT.
Finland defeated Switzerland 6-1 in the other semifinal contest on Friday.
