Vadim Golubtsov scored twice and goalie Stanislav Galimov made 28 saves as Russia beat a team of WHL all-stars 5-1 in Game 5 of the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge on Wednesday.

Dmiutry Sayustov, Alexander Polukhin and Anton Koralev also scored as Russia reduced the Canadian juniors` advantage in the six-game series to 3-2, with the final game going Thursday in Medicine Hat, Alta. Wednesday`s victory was Russia`s first over the WHL since the series began in 2003.

Luke Schenn of the Kelowna Rockets had the lone goal for the WHL.

Russia opened the scoring midway through the first period as Sayustov fired a long wrist shot that beat Vancouver Giants goalie Tyson Sexsmith high on his stick side for his second goal of the series.

After killing off two WHL power-plays, Russia made it 2-0 when Golubtsov scored his third of the series on a wrist shot that beat a screened Sexsmith over his left pad.

Russia extended its lead before the end of the period. Polukhin cruised down the right wing on a 2-on-1 break and beat Sexsmith with wrist shot low on the glove side.

WHL scored the only goal of the second period on a power-play as Schenn charged into the Russia zone and snapped a shot under the cross bar.

Galimov was strong in the second period, making 14 saves. Sexsmith had just five saves in the period, but two came on a 2-on-0 break late in the period to keep the score 3-1 after 40 minutes.

Golubtsov scored his second of the game on a power-play at 3:04 of the third period, his screen shot beating Sexsmith high on the glove side.

Koralev scored the game`s final goal, depositing his own rebound on a 2-on-1 break.

Notes - The third period featured a pair of fights. ... Russia had a 1-0-1 record against the QMJHL and an 0-2 record versus the OHL. ... The WHL had outscored Russia 47-11 in their previous eight meetings.
sections: Sport