One last chance for the Americans as a big shot comes in from Ryan McDonagh. But Russia's Alexander Popov charges out to bravely take a puck to the chest and avert the danger.

These two sides have not been afraid to mix it up in a physical encounter and tempers flare once again in the final seconds of the second period as the USA's Patrick Kane is ordered to sit down for hooking. Advantage Russia at the start of the third.

These boys are brutal! Russia's Fyodor Tyutin pleads his innocence after pounding the back of USA's Phil Kessel with his knee and stick in the far corner. Remarkably, no penalty is called by the officials who tell the players to get on with it.

Sixty seconds of the second period to go....

Brent Pope
BBC Sport ice hockey commentator

Image source, Getty Images

"Cam Fowler went in there with the intention of going for it with his stick. Even though it appeared to go in off his blade, it was allowed as goals are only ruled out for a blatant kick.

"The Americans stepped up the physical stakes in the last few minutes, and that good control and forceful arrival of Fowler that has drawn them level."

Yes, the Americans can take advantage! Cam Fowler equalises as he pounces to tap in from close range. Stars and Stripes banners are being proudly wafted in the stands again.

While Russia and the USA go head-to-head in the ice hockey, there could be a similar battle over at the Adler Arena in the men's 1500m speed skating. American World Cup leader Shani Davis will try to improve on silver at the last two Games, with Russian world champion Denis Yuskov among his leading rivals. Expect to find out who has won what at around 15:30 GMT.

The Americans are struggling to find their attacking rhythm at the moment, with the Russians well worthy of their slender advantage.

But wait! The home nation may well have shot themselves in the foot as Alexander Radulov trudges off to cool off on the bench for 'crosschecking'. Can the Americans take advantage?

Just seen a replay of David Backes' chance for the Americans - it was a golden opportunity. The goal was gaping as he pounced at the far post, only for Backes to steer wide. If that miss proves costly, he will be sat on his own at the USA dinner table tonight.

Jarleth Eaton:, external Great goal by Datsyuk. Why he's one of the best in the NHL.

Russia's strike has served to further open up an already-exciting encounter between these two powerhouses. The USA know they have to commit men forward as Phil Kessel and then David Backes see efforts blocked.

Eleanor Oldroyd
BBC Radio 5 live presenter in Sochi

On Twitter:, external "It's USA 0 Russia 1. Roof just came off the Bolshoy."

Ollie Williams
BBC Sport at the Bolshoy Ice Dome

Image source, Reuters

"Up until now, the volume (and bass) emanating from this arena's PA system had been quite something. Now, in comparison with the Russian roar for that goal, the sound system is like a tinny penny whistle being played by an asthmatic mouse at a distance of 20 miles.

Brent Pope
BBC Sport ice hockey commentator

"The captain of the United States looks on as his opposite number opens the scoring. It was the 'parting of the Black Sea' as Pavel Datsyuk drove through the middle to score.

"The United States now to have to maintain their defensive shape, as they do not want to be too open against Russia in reply. That was a very special goal."

Now the Russians are ahead! Skipper Pavel Datsyuk jinks in from the right to weave inbetween two American defenders, like a slalom skier gliding through gates, before planting into the bottom corner off the right-hand post. The decibel meter inside the Bolshoy Ice Dome has just exploded.

But, remarkably, the Americans hold out to preserve their goal as their full complement returns. There is a stunned silence among the Russian fans, who can't quite believe their team have not edged ahead.

Another powerplay goes to the Russians as USA's Max Pacioretty is sin-binned for holding. Cue the Russian onslaught. The Bolshoy Ice Dome is waiting to erupt for a home goal - and they nearly stretch their vocal chords as Alexander Ovechkin spanks a ferocious effort against the USA crossbar.

US gold-medal-winning skier Joss Christensen on Twitter:, external "At the USA v Russia hockey game with [team-mate] Gus Kenworthy! So excited this game is going to be crazy! GO USA!"

USA, as expected, fly out of the traps with their numerical advantage. Kevin Shattenkirk (who sounds like a Star Trek character incidentally) and Phil Kessel spurn glorious opportunities as the Russians hang on.

Right, let's get ready to rumble. The USA and Russia are pumped as the second period begins over in the Bolshoy Ice Dome. The Americans have a one minute and 15 second power play to draw first blood in this tense clash.

Sportsmen/women are known to generally be a superstitious bunch - especially over their kit. Who can forget Manchester United blaming that horrid grey kit, external for a miserable first-half performance against Southampton in 1996?

Now the United States speed skating team are hoping for a change of fortune after being granted permission to consign their high-tech suits to the sartorial scrapheap.

On Friday, the team asked to change back to the outfits they wore with success in the World Cup after failing to win a medal in the first six of 12 speed skating events in Sochi.

The IOC has given the nod to the move and the USA men will wear the World Cup suit in the 1,500 metres later.

Image source, AFP

Russia lose 9-6 to China in their latest round-robin match and are tied at the top of the men's standings with Sweden. Both sides have won six out of seven matches. Great Britain are tied for third.