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Russia squeaks by North America in thriller

World Cup Of Hockey 2016 - Team Russia v Team North America

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 19: Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of Team Russia reaches out to try to stop Johnny Gaudreau #13 of Team North America during the second period during the World Cup of Hockey tournament at the Air Canada Centre on September 19, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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If Russia’s eventual 4-3 win against North America doesn’t stand as the most thrilling game of the World Cup, then we’re in for some special hockey.

The Air Canada Centre was rocking tonight, especially during North America’s bid for a third period comeback.

From that beautiful Connor McDavid - Auston Matthews goal to a wave of dangerous chances, the North Americans carried much of this contest. Sergei Bobrovsky kept that under-23 group at bay just enough for Russia’s first win of the round-robin tournament.

Ultimately, it came down to a second-period collapse where Matt Murray allowed four troubling goals before John Gibson took over:

The remarkable thing about this tournament is that, all of a sudden, North America is in a tougher spot after this loss. They face quite a challenge in Sweden on Wednesday while Russia’s next game comes against an up-and-down Finnish squad.

For many hockey fans, it’s difficult to accept the possibility that Team North America may not last much longer.

Thanks a lot, Bob.