Both countries are competing in Group A at the Arena Yerofey.

Sweden eased past Finland 9-1, with Daniel Berlin, Christoffer Fagerström and Erik Pettersson all registering twice each.

Russia managed an even bigger margin of victory as they saw off Norway 15-1.

Sergey Lomanov led the way for the home side as he scored four of his country's goals.

Sweden triumphed in front of a home crowd at last year's World Championship, overcoming Russia 4-3 in the gold medal match.

It ended Russia's run of four consecutive victories at the tournament.

Should Sweden defend their title, it will take them one win away from the Soviet Union’s record of 14 gold medals.

Group B also began today with two one-sided affairs.

United States beat Germany 14-4 with Kevin Brown scoring five.

Kazakhstan then demolished Hungary 29-0.

Rauan Isaliyev was the star for the Kazakhs, finding the net eight times.

Group play will continue tomorrow and conclude on Wednesday (January 31), before the knock-out stage.