The reigning world champions and one of the top favourites of the current tournament, Russia secured a decisive lead in the first third, going full force to chalk up 3:0 ahead of the first period.

Slovenia's NHL star Anže Kopitar scored his first goal at the tournament in the 24th minute to reduce Russia's lead to 3:1, but six minutes later Vadim Shipachyov took Russia one up again to 4:1.

Žiga Pance scored another goal for Slovenia in the 35th to make it 4:2 but any hope for the Lynxes was crushed by Evgeny Dadonov in the 46th as he sent the puck into the net a second time to raise the score to 5:2.

Slovenia's Robert Sabolič set the final score in the 55th minute at 5:3 for Russia.

After a day off, Slovenia will face Slovakia, their next opponent in Group B, on Tuesday.