With a thrilling third period comeback against Canada, Team Russia and Alex Ovechkin are off to the semi-finals of the World Championships in Slovakia. Down, 1-0, midway through the final frame, Alexei Kaigorodov converted on a shorthanded breakaway to knot the score. Then, just over three minutes later, the Devils’ 100 million dollar man Ilya Kovalchuk rifled home a one-timer from the slot to give the Russians the lead and send their arch-rival home empty handed. Russia will face Finland, with the winner going to the gold metal game, on Sunday.

Despite the victory, Alex Ovechkin was held off the board for the third straight contest. He was, however, robbed of an assist when play was whistled dead after Canada’s Marc Methot went down after being hit by the puck, which was corralled by Russia with a wide-open Canadian net. Ovi also managed one shot on goal in 18:52 of time on ice.

Additional Photos & Video

Photo credit: Matthew Manor

Photo credit: Matthew Manor

Jason Spezza scored Canada’s only goal. (Photo credit: Matthew Manor)

Methot reacts after getting hit with an Alex Ovechkin shot. (Photo credit: Matthew Manor)

Photo credit: Petr Josek

Photo credit: Grigory Dukor

Photo credit: Grigory Dukor

Video: Alexei Kaigorodov’s unbelievable shorthanded goal (via @R17a)

Team Russia celebrates Kaigordov’s goal. (Photo credit: Petr Josek)

Jeff Skinner and Ovechkin tumble to the ice after Skinner trips-up Ovi. (Photo credit: Grigory Dukor)

Kovalchuk puts Russia ahead. (Photo credit: Petr Josek)

Photo credit: Grigory Dukor

Photo credit: Grigory Dukor