Evgeny Dadonov scored the eventual winner in the third period as Russia held off the Czech Republic 4-3 on Thursday in the World Cup of Hockey pre-tournament opener for both teams.
Vladimir Tarasenko, Nikita Kucherov and Artemi Panarin also had goals for the Russians, who got 29 saves from Sergei Bobrovsky.
Michal Kempny, Tomas Plekanec and Martin Hanzal supplied the offence for the Czech Republic as Petr Mrazek turned away 24-of-28 shots in net.
Russia scored once on four power plays while the Czechs were 1 for 5.
