The Russians I previously predicted way back in July and I was failry close. A almost couple mid season surprises have happened though. The Russians announced it would feature a half KHL half NHL roster which surprised many but I deep down knew this would happen since the International management are in bed with the KHL and their obviously going to promote their own league which they believe is the best hockey in the world.
In net for the Russian's is pretty easy to call. Evgeni Nabokov (Turin 06) will obviously be the starter with plenty of international experience. Backing him up will be the tandem of Ilya Bryzgalov and rookie sensation Semyon Varlamov. Ether of the 3 choices the Russian's are good in between the pipes. I doubt Varlamov will see action but it's good exposure for him. I had Nikolai Khabibulin in the mix too but as he's injured it doesnt make sense and I'd still had Varlamov ahead of him.
On the blueline possible captain Andrei Markov (Turin 06) will be their cornerstone and play heavy minutes. Could have been a risky pick because he was injured but Markov is the Russians best defenseman
and has rebounded nicely. Another Turin member is offensive catalyst Sergei Gonchar who also was sidelined. Fedor Tyutin (Turin 06) will help carry the load as well. Anton Volchenkov (Turin 06)will be the Russians shut down weapon. He'll lead the tournament guarantied in blocked shots and could catch a few Canadians with their heads down. Dmitri Kalinin of the KHL will also be in charge of shutting down the big guns. Denis Grebeshkov is an Olympic newcomer and is quite capable of playing. Another Olympic rookie is KHLer's Konstantin Korneyev of CSKA Moscow and Ilya Nikulin of Ak Bars Kazan. while Korneyev I'm surprised in, I'm not so much surprised in Nikulin who I had on my draft copy before I posted on my predictions. The blueline is pretty stable and has been a weak point in many years but I think now it's more well rounded than before. They are missing a lot of grit and jam in vicious Darius Kasparaitis who had every International star watching for a head shot or knee. Another name I thought I'd see is Sergei Zubov but I see the point in taking youth over experience since the Russians have a lot of experience on the backend already.
A couple shockers on the forward lists but the Russian's probably have the most firepower in the tournament. My only concern is they have a pretty soft line-up up front which may hurt them agains't Canada. It's going to be a Finesse vs Physical battle and the Russian's better hope their boys aren't afraid and can fill the net more than the Canadians. Alexander Ovechkin (Turin 06) will help provide the physical play while lighting the lamp. He's quite capable of carrying even an International team on his back as we've previously seen. Thats about it for physical play however. Their attack will be the main focus with Evgeni Malkin (Turin 06) and Pavel Datsyuk leading the way. Ilya Kovalchuk will turn heads once again. He's playing the best hockey of his career and in the World Championships made Canada fear the Russians offensive capabilities. He'll be in top 3 for scoring is my prediction. Veterans and KHL stars Sergei Fedorov (Turin 06) of Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Viktor Kozlov (Turin 06) of Salavat Yulayev Ufa are no stranger to the Olympics. Fedorov will be counted on to balance the attack and provide some defense. By the way he can also sub on the backend of needed which is valuable. Another player who will be counted on to help out in his own end is Alexei Morozov (Turin 06) who is considered one of the best players outside the NHL. He consistantly leads the Russian leagues in scoring. Very underated in my opinion. KHL defector Alexander Radulov adds to the offense as will the enigmatic Maxim Afinogenov (Turin 06) who is also adds blinding speed. Max has been playing incredible of late and it's hard to believe he was struggling to find work at the start of this season. Alexander Semin fresh off a new contract will make his Olympic debut as will KHL stars Danis Zaripov of Ak Bars Kazan and Boston draft pick Sergei Zinoviev of Salavat Yulayev Ufa. A pretty scary offense but a soft almost invisible defensive forward cast. A few big names left off that surprised me was usual captain Alexei Kovalev who should be there over Zaripov and Zinoviev but politics gets in the way. Also I'm surprised KHL poster boy Alexei Yashin was left off as well as he's having a decent season in the KHL. Alexander Frolov is another head scratcher but maybe his inconstant play, bad attitude and oh....NHL status scared off the brass. Maxim Sushinsky is another name I expected to make the squad as he provides defensive coverage and has the most International experience out of any of the Russians. did I mention he currently is leading the KHL in scoring? Might be a bad decision to leave him off this one. Nikolai Zherdev could be another KHL defect to consider as is Nikita Filatov whose murdering the KHL at the moment. A good youth player to showcase the future. Sergei Mozyakin is also nother KHL name that should have been considered.
Overall the Russian's have one of the best teams in years and baring any injuries should be in the top 2. There only struggles may come agains't the physical play of Canada. They can out gun most of the teams in the tournament and have incredible experience as well most of their squad was in Turin and Nagano. I was pretty damn close to calling this one but then again this was an easy team to call I'm sure.
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