Russia took a 2-1 lead in the 2012 Canada-Russia Challenge Monday night with a 6-5 victory over the Canadian National Junior Team in Halifax.

The final exhibition game is set for Tuesday night in Halifax.

The first two games were played in Yaroslavl, Russia, on Thursday and Friday. Canada won the opener 3-2.

Anton Zlobin (Val-d'Or Foreurs) scored a shorthanded goal for the Russians assisted by Nail Yakupov (Sarnia Sting).  Andrei Makarov (Saskatoon Blades) made 38 saves to record his second straight victory between the pipes.

Canada trailed early but battled throughout the contest, twice erasing two-goal deficits.

Ryan Murphy (Kitchener Rangers) scored Canada's first goal in the first period on the power play and added three assists.

Other goal scorers for Canada were Ryan Murray (Everett Silvertips), Sean Monahan (Ottawa 67's), and Charles Hudon (Chicoutimi Sagueneens) who each finished the game with two points.  Jonathan Huberdeau (Saint John Sea Dogs) scored Canada's fifth goal.

Laurent Brossoit (Edmonton Oil Kings) took the loss in goal making 21 saves.

Game Summary