Watch Slovakia vs Russia Live Streaming

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Time : 11:55 PM ET

Given the delicate task the Russians face in developing instant chemistry among so many highly-skilled, high-profile forwards, the Olympic schedule couldn't have been set up better if GM Vladislav Tretiak had planned it himself. After a just-competitive-enough opener against Latvia, a former Soviet Socialist Republic that brings passion if not comparable ability, the Russians gradually climb the resistance scale. Slovakia will force the Russian forwards to at least consider back-checking and present the first real test for the club's supposed weakness -- its defense corps. Russia will look to fine-tune its top two lines after a productive but spotty performance against Latvia. Russia also will turn their net over to Ilya Bryzgalov after Evgeni Nabokov's OK outing in the opener.

Playing Russia under the best of circumstances is a daunting task. These are anything but the best of circumstances for the Slovakia. Their top two forwards are banged up. Marian Hossa of the Detroit Red Wings, who suffered a concussion against Columbus last Saturday, and Marian Gaborik, the goal-scoring machine from the New York Rangers, both managed to play against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night. Gaborik scored his country's lone goal in a 3-1 loss, just one week after suffering a deep gash to his thigh during a Rangers practice. Slovakia at least can make it hurt for the Russians to score their goals.