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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
 Posted - 11/30/2009 : 09:48:55
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Ok so we have all argued about the Canadian Olympic roster over the last little while, lets separate the boys from the men here and try and hash out what the other hockey nations are gonna throw at us. Taking a look at the roster for Russia's orentation camp this is my Russian roster:
Ovechkin / Malkin / Kovalchuck
Semin / Datsyuk / Radulov
Kozlov / Fedorov / Afineganov
Frolov / Artyukhin / Kovalev
Morozov / Saprykin
Gonchar / Markov (assuming he's healthy)
Volchenkov / Zubov
Grebeshkov / Tverdovsky
Tyutin
Nabokov
Bryzlgalov
Varlamov
Notable guys not on the invite list are:
Nikolai Zherdev
Nikolai Khabbibulin
Nikita Filatov
Artem Anisimov
Sergei Samsonov
I put Varlamov on my team because if I were the Russian GM i'd want to get him accustomed to international play because he's gonna be around for a while and I havent seen anything from Khabbibulin this year to put him ahead of either Nabokov or Bryzgalov.
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem
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Edited by - Tiller33 on 11/30/2009 13:00:07
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 11:48:58
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Couple of things.
Firstly, if this was a one game allstar type affair, I would agree with this line up 100%. There is one glaring issue.
Outside of Fedorov and Datsuyk, the forwards on this team couldn't stop a pee wee team. This could be the worst defensive group of forwards one could imagine.
Secondly, Tretiak stated over the week end that he is looking at pretty close to a 50/50 mix between KHL and NHL players.
I would agree with the first 2 lines as well as Fedorov. Frolov, Afinogenov, and Kovalev wouldn't make my team. Kozlov and Artyukhin would be on my team only because I don't know enough KHL players to say who will be there.
Don' be surprised to see Yashin crack this team too!
Defensively, as good as one could expect.
If Khabibulin is still hurt, he will not be there. Otherwise, Khabibulin will be there and the 3rd spot will be between Varlamov and Bryzgalov. Not sure what Oiler games you have watched this year, but other than the 1st game blunder which game up a goal, Khabibulin has been spectacular. Comparatively to a lock for Canada(Luongo), Khabibulin has played 2 less games, faced 70 more shots, and there is only a 1% difference in save percentage. Compared to the other Russian keepers, Khabibulin has faced an average of 5-8 more shots on goal per game and is within 10 point son the save percentage.
Personally, I have Nabokov, Khabibulin, and Bryzgalov. |
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 11:53:49
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Definately a weak team defensively but Artyukhin is a beast at 6' 4" 235lbs so ya I agree some KHL players will definatley round out the 4th line at the very least. But like you said I don't know them well enough to decide on them. Morozov will likely be on one of the bottom 2 lines I had him as an extra forward but definatley in a penalty killing situation he's be a good fit. A guy that i wouldn't have had anywhere near this team 4 months ago was Afinegano, he has been lights out for Atlanta.
Also does anyone know the status of Radulov? wasn't he suspended by the IIHF after initially going to the KHL?
Not saying Khabbibulin has had a bad year just think the other 2 guys are ahead of him and Varlamov's numbers have played him into serious contention. Nabokov is the Russian equivalent to Brodeur not flashy but the most consistent guy available. Where as Bryzgalov has 3 shutouts a .919 SV% and 2.12 GAA on a surprising Coyotes team but still a defensively weak one. Khabibulin is 7-9-2 no shutouts .909 SV% and 3.03 GAA, on a defensively superior Oilers team and granted they have had some serious injury woes but I think Bryzgalov's numbers speak for themselves
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem |
Edited by - Tiller33 on 11/30/2009 12:00:10 |
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Matt_Roberts85
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
936 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 12:08:54
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Im going to reinforce something beans said. Tretiak said this will be a roster 50% NHL and 50% KHL, so outside of the top two lines look for this team to have a strong cast of KHL players, which like beans mentioned could very well include Yashin and/or Fedorov.
Alexei Morozov and Radulov would be strong candidates as well.
I dont see Kovalev making the team or Frolov. If Andrei Markov is still out, that is a big blow to the russian squad. Makov and Gonchar would be quite the duo 5 on 5 and on the PP.
A top line of kovalchuck - malkin and ovechkin is terrifying enough, but then you will have datsyuk and semin hoping over the boards as well. The D on other teams will definatley have their hands full, if im canada or any of the other world powers im making sure the puck is deep in the russian zone with tons of forechecking pressure on the russian D. I think that would be your best chance, trading chances going end to end would spell death for anyone.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
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Guest8835
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Posted - 11/30/2009 : 12:09:12
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| defensively superior? you clearly haven't been watching many oilers games. theres a reason bulin faces so many shots per game. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 12:59:40
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Ya, I would agree that Phoenix is playing better defensively than the Oilers. I would go so far as to say the only team I have watched play worse in their own end is Toronto.
Byryzgalov has faced only 5 more shots than Khabibulin but has played in 5 more games.
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 13:10:13
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Again didn't say that khabibulin was having a bad year but Bryzgalov is having a better one, he'll be on the team.
Fedorov will definatley be on the team probably wearing an A either Gonchar or Ovie will have the C maybe even Zubov.
Can't see Yashin on the team just because they have better skill players and he certainly isnt a 3rd or 4th line player, not quite a defensive stand out.
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem |
Edited by - Tiller33 on 11/30/2009 13:12:50 |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 13:33:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Tiller33
Again didn't say that khabibulin was having a bad year but Bryzgalov is having a better one, he'll be on the team.
Fedorov will definatley be on the team probably wearing an A either Gonchar or Ovie will have the C maybe even Zubov.
Can't see Yashin on the team just because they have better skill players and he certainly isnt a 3rd or 4th line player, not quite a defensive stand out.
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem
You haven't watched Yashin play in what, 3 years?? How can you say there are more skilled offensive players for the Russian?? I can't, because I don't know. I would take a healthy and motivated Yashin over at least Semin and Radulov (from what I recall).
And I again disagree. Bryzgalov, to this point, has played on a better team than Khabibulin. And if anyone has watched even 5 Oiler games this year, they would agree that Khabibulin has been awesome. He won't 1/2 the games the Oilers won or more. Average 33 shots a game and see what Bryzgalov would bring.
Plus, and I can't stress this enough, this is a team for 2 week, not 4 years from now. Bryzgalov with have literally 100's of games to get 'experience' between now and Sochi. Plus, he gets ZERO experience if he is on the bench.
The back up keeper with be the 2nd best available at the time and a guy who you think can win the gold medal.
Is that Bryzglalov?? Nope, not in my opinion. That's Khabibulin. |
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 13:41:26
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Well first off I'll take a one handed Semin over Yashin the guy never showed motivation once in his NHL: career. You're right I haven't seen Yashin but I'm pretty sure short of Igor Larionov possessing him he isn't a better player than both a younger, faster, and more offensively skilled Radulov or Semin, even Kovalev trys harder than Yashin and that's saying alot.
Still think it's Bryzgalov's spot to lose and that he is a better tender but wouldn't be surprised if Kahbbibulin is there.
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem |
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Guest4900
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Posted - 11/30/2009 : 14:32:51
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I'd let Khabi and Bryzer duke it out for #2, but Nabokov has to be your guy, definitely not the best structured goalie, but he's got the mental skills the Russians will need to overcome the waves of pressure that their yickety little danglers will give up.
Maxim Sushinsky, Sergei Zinovyev are locks, so is Morozov, maybe even as captain of the team, he's been very good for them historically. Yashin is a pure coach's last-minute decision, the guy is playing lights out right now, but he is such a p**** when the chips are down.
I think other than Zubov and their top KHL scorers, it would be EXTREMELY imprudent to put too many K players on the team, they will get eaten alive on the small ice.
Anyway, it's Canada-USA for gold, because when you grow up on the small ice, you can't be beat on it by Europeans.
By the way, the Americans are going to have the best team they have ever iced, with the Johnsons holding down the fort. |
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phlyguy90
Rookie
USA
100 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 14:48:29
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| man, as a hockey fan i cannot wait to see malkin, kovalchuk and ovechkin on the ice together. as a fan of team usa i'm crapping my pants. |
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 14:50:08
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Whoa buckey the US will have a respectable team but i sure as hell dont expect them to make it to the Gold medal game, maybe bronze not gold. and if the Johnsons are the best they have to throw at the other teams then you best be crossing every finger you have.
With guys like Kessel, Parise, Malone and Dustin Brown the American's will have decent fire power but nothing like the Russians .
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 15:53:30
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Beans, i heard the comments from Tretiak this weekend as well. IMO, it's gonna be interesting to see how the KHL'ers adapt to the smaller ice. Now, if most of them are former NHL'ers then it's prob not a big deal?
As for goalies, i've also heard comments, which i'm surprised by, that Byryzgalov is in fact in the running for not only a spot, but possibly the starter! This came from some of the so called "experts" interviewed on the radio. Be interesting to see?
Lastly, i'm interested to see if Afinogenov in fact does make the squad. If he does, they may just split up the "dream line" of Ovie/Malkin/Kovalchuk and have Kovalchuk play with Afinogenov seeing as they've found some obvious chemistry in Atl?
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2009 : 16:29:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Tiller33
Well first off I'll take a one handed Semin over Yashin the guy never showed motivation once in his NHL: career. You're right I haven't seen Yashin but I'm pretty sure short of Igor Larionov possessing him he isn't a better player than both a younger, faster, and more offensively skilled Radulov or Semin, even Kovalev trys harder than Yashin and that's saying alot.
Still think it's Bryzgalov's spot to lose and that he is a better tender but wouldn't be surprised if Kahbbibulin is there.
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem
Wow, seriously a one handed Semin?? I think you are forgetting the Yashin from the Ottawa days. The 40+ goal, 90 point completed dominating 6'3"-230lbs beast. He was completely unstoppable for that stint between 98-01 period. That included a year he said out for more cash and came back for a smooth 40 and 48 for 88 points.
Sick.
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2009 : 00:55:02
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Beans/Tiller......The only one handed guy i'd take over anyone is Rich Allen (oooohhh...that's bad?)
Whatever, i agree with Tiller, at this point, i'd take Semin over Yashin. Yes Beans, you're right, i've not seen Alexei Yashin play for a few years. I really don't care. He simply doesn't make my team from what i recall of him in his last few years in the NHL. |
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JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2009 : 09:34:24
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Read the wiki on the Yashin's bio. More went on than you know. As far as him on the ice he is a solid player, always has been. His only knock has been his postseason performance. Still capable of point per game in the NHL. Last year the KHL had a allstar game, with the team names Team Yashin VS team Jagr and that was no mistake. He didn't have career #'s but I remember him being one of the best all around players (size, skill, speed, shot and hockey smarts) You guys gotta take personality and contract number's out of the equation when doing an olympic roster. I may have mixed feelings about him now but he was the reason I became a Ottawa fan.
Varlamov wont get a sniff of the Olympics unless someone gets injured. Great start to his career, but he hasn't even had one full year in and has shown some weakness early. The Olympics would be the most pressure this guy has ever seen.
Do not compare Brodeur to Nabokov. One shows up for the big games the other one doesn't. Khabbi has a better track record. Nabokov may start, but when the chip are down Russia will throw in a veteran who has won it all. Your point of throwing in a goalie to season him for the next Olympics is valid when refering to Bryzlgalov |
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2009 : 12:40:33
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OK listen beans you are better than quoting ten year old stats to justify a guys place on a team next year, Paul Karyia was pretty good from 98 - 01 too but he's over the hill just like Yashin is and why wouldn't Tretiak want one of Ovechkin's right hand men to play on the team.
Which brings up a good point alex made that if Russia takes Afineganov then it might make sense for them to leave him with Kovalchuck and have Semin play with Ovie.
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem |
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JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2009 : 15:10:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Tiller33
OK listen beans you are better than quoting ten year old stats to justify a guys place on a team next year, Paul Karyia was pretty good from 98 - 01 too but he's over the hill just like Yashin is and why wouldn't Tretiak want one of Ovechkin's right hand men to play on the team.
Which brings up a good point alex made that if Russia takes Afineganov then it might make sense for them to leave him with Kovalchuck and have Semin play with Ovie.
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem
Ok, Yashins stats this year are 10 goals 26 assists in 30 games. He consistantly leads his teams year in year out. Only exception was during his NYI years after he had his forarm tendons cut by a skate. It took him a while to return to form after that. He would 1st line on any one of 10 NHL teams right now. And thats not a 10 year old history lesson. |
Edited by - JOSHUACANADA on 12/01/2009 16:21:59 |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2009 : 21:34:53
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If we are going to quote guys for being over the hill, why is Sergei Fedorov's name being thrown around. The guys hasn't been an offensive force in at least 5 seasons and his defensive play is shadow of what it used to be.
Good for one, good for all. If Yashin is over the hill, Fedorov is over it and around the other side!! |
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2009 : 08:11:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
If we are going to quote guys for being over the hill, why is Sergei Fedorov's name being thrown around. The guys hasn't been an offensive force in at least 5 seasons and his defensive play is shadow of what it used to be.
Good for one, good for all. If Yashin is over the hill, Fedorov is over it and around the other side!!
If were posting ancient stats Fedorov has a fist full of Rings and a Hart trophy Yashin has a reciept from a ridiculous contract and a legacy of being a whiner.
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2009 : 08:46:03
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No is posting ancient stats. Not me anyways.
Considering their numbers from THIS year, playing in the same league, Yashin has 10 goals and 26 assists in 30 games and is +16. Fedorov has 5 goals and 11 assists in 28 games and is +14.
Both teams are tied with 66 points.
Again, I don't think that Yashin is a lock for sure. But one can not simply toss Yashin's name to the side and consider Fedorov a lock.
As I said, if we are calling all things equal and we are throwing out all of what Yashin did in the past, everything Fedorov did in the past is gone too.
Who is the better player today?? I don't know. But to say one is way over on the other is a little bit of a stretch. |
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2009 : 09:19:50
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quote:
Wow, seriously a one handed Semin?? I think you are forgetting the Yashin from the Ottawa days. The 40+ goal, 90 point completed dominating 6'3"-230lbs beast. He was completely unstoppable for that stint between 98-01 period. That included a year he said out for more cash and came back for a smooth 40 and 48 for 88 points.
not new stats
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem |
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baumer
Top Prospect
82 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2009 : 09:37:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
No is posting ancient stats. Not me anyways.
Considering their numbers from THIS year, playing in the same league, Yashin has 10 goals and 26 assists in 30 games and is +16. Fedorov has 5 goals and 11 assists in 28 games and is +14.
Both teams are tied with 66 points.
Again, I don't think that Yashin is a lock for sure. But one can not simply toss Yashin's name to the side and consider Fedorov a lock.
As I said, if we are calling all things equal and we are throwing out all of what Yashin did in the past, everything Fedorov did in the past is gone too.
Who is the better player today?? I don't know. But to say one is way over on the other is a little bit of a stretch.
Federov is going to be a lock for sheer defensive prowess alone. I dont know what you consider over the hill but when a player changes the way he plays ie: Federov moving from a scorer to a Selke winner and a really good shut down player. Also, what Ovie wants Ovie gets. Him and Federov are really close friends.
As far as Yashin goes, Jonathan Cheechoo scored 56 goals 3 years ago and there's no way he's making team Canada. Yashin was selfish ten years ago when, yes, he was an elite player. But ask yourself one question. Is he going to play a 3rd line defensive role? Not likely. |
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JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2009 : 10:32:02
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quote:
Originally posted by baumer
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
No is posting ancient stats. Not me anyways.
Considering their numbers from THIS year, playing in the same league, Yashin has 10 goals and 26 assists in 30 games and is +16. Fedorov has 5 goals and 11 assists in 28 games and is +14.
Both teams are tied with 66 points.
Again, I don't think that Yashin is a lock for sure. But one can not simply toss Yashin's name to the side and consider Fedorov a lock.
As I said, if we are calling all things equal and we are throwing out all of what Yashin did in the past, everything Fedorov did in the past is gone too.
Who is the better player today?? I don't know. But to say one is way over on the other is a little bit of a stretch.
Federov is going to be a lock for sheer defensive prowess alone. I dont know what you consider over the hill but when a player changes the way he plays ie: Federov moving from a scorer to a Selke winner and a really good shut down player. Also, what Ovie wants Ovie gets. Him and Federov are really close friends.
As far as Yashin goes, Jonathan Cheechoo scored 56 goals 3 years ago and there's no way he's making team Canada. Yashin was selfish ten years ago when, yes, he was an elite player. But ask yourself one question. Is he going to play a 3rd line defensive role? Not likely.
Yashin was in Ottawa when they played a defensive type game and carried on with that in NYI. He does have defensive aspects to his game. I'd like him more than Afineganov, Kozlov, Frolov, Morozov, Saprykin, Filitov, Zherdev, Samsonov or Kovalev. I am not suggesting hes top 5 Russian but probably top 10. |
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irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2009 : 16:42:46
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Gonchar is not eligable to play, because his last name does not end in "in OR ov" lol. :p
Irvine |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2009 : 16:52:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Tiller33
quote:
Wow, seriously a one handed Semin?? I think you are forgetting the Yashin from the Ottawa days. The 40+ goal, 90 point completed dominating 6'3"-230lbs beast. He was completely unstoppable for that stint between 98-01 period. That included a year he said out for more cash and came back for a smooth 40 and 48 for 88 points.
not new stats
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem
Ok, I hear what you mean now. All I was saying is that Yashin was far from a fence post before and is one of the top 3 players in the KHL today.
And to the guest, if we are talking about Fedorov as a 'defensive force' and Selke trophies, we might want to note that Fedorov has not won a meaningful individual award since 1996 and has was not an all star sine 2003. Furthermore, his 7 latest seasons, he was a + player only once.
Don't get me wrong, Fedorov in his prime was one of the best hockey players of the past 30 years. He's in my top 20 all time list. But my point is you can't throw out Yashin for being old and over the hill and say Fedorov is a lock. It's 6 of one and 1/2 a dozen of the other. Both are in the twilight of their careers and neither is the player they once were. But, they BOTH may be good enough to make this Olympic team.
Regardless, you can't throw one out for being old and not doing anything for the past decade.
Both are in the same boat. |
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Guest8101
( )
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Posted - 12/25/2009 : 02:12:00
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quote:
[i]Originally posted by Alex116[/i]
[br]Beans, i heard the comments from Tretiak this weekend as well. IMO, it's gonna be interesting to see how the KHL'ers adapt to the smaller ice.
they won't play on the smaller ice! olympic tournamet is under iihf, and it's always played on the official international ice rink (200x98 ft) no matter which country is the host of tournament. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/25/2009 : 07:22:59
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Not sure how many more people are going to make this mistake in the next 6 weeks. The 2010 Olympic Hockey events(both Mens and Womens) will be played on "North American" sized rinks.
Here is the link and the first paragraph. Pay attention to the date, this decision was 2 1/2 years ago.
Jun 7, 2006
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced today that the men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be played on North American size ice surfaces rather than converting to international size, resulting in increased ticket availability, reduced costs and in keeping with VANOC’s sustainability goals.
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/2010-olympic-winter-games-ice-hockey-tournaments-to-be-played-on-north-american-size-ice-surfaces_35724uY.html |
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 12/25/2009 : 12:05:29
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quote:
[i]Originally posted by Tiller33[/i]
[br]Ok so we have all argued about the Canadian Olympic roster over the last little while, lets separate the boys from the men here and try and hash out what the other hockey nations are gonna throw at us. Taking a look at the roster for Russia's orentation camp this is my Russian roster:
Ovechkin / Malkin / Kovalchuck
Semin / Datsyuk / Radulov
Kozlov / Fedorov / Afineganov
Frolov / Artyukhin / Kovalev
Morozov / Saprykin
Gonchar / Markov (assuming he's healthy)
Volchenkov / Zubov
Grebeshkov / Tverdovsky
Tyutin
Nabokov
Bryzlgalov
Varlamov
Notable guys not on the invite list are:
Nikolai Zherdev
Nikolai Khabbibulin
Nikita Filatov
Artem Anisimov
Sergei Samsonov
I put Varlamov on my team because if I were the Russian GM i'd want to get him accustomed to international play because he's gonna be around for a while and I havent seen anything from Khabbibulin this year to put him ahead of either Nabokov or Bryzgalov.
There's a lot of dirty old occ's around thats the problem
Tretiak announced the Russian olympic team today:
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=23745.html?cid=rsstsn
I had the roster about 80% right, no Kovalev and 8 defenceman and only 12 forwards
Federov made the cut, no Yashin, Semin and Varlamov from the Caps are in and no Khabibulin.
Aside from the big NHL names on the team I think Radulov will be a top player for the Russians, he and Zinovyev are tied for 2nd in KHL scoring and play together with Salavat Yulaev.
Surprising Maxim Shushinsky was left off the roster as he is leading the KHL in scoring.
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Edited by - Tiller33 on 12/25/2009 12:16:59 |
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irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 12/25/2009 : 17:25:54
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The Russians have a strong team in place here. I'd say they took 8 D, over 7, to have a defencemen up-front if need be, during PK or other key times. Because let's face it, they are pretty offensive minded.
Looks good though. No surprise for me personally, of Khabi being left out. Perhaps a little surprise about Yashin, but he is getting older. I follow the KHL a bit, and the Russians they did pick, can play some puck with a lot of NHL players. Perhaps not the top, but with the mid-pack.
Irvine/prez. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/26/2009 : 08:22:20
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Nothing really shocks me. A little surprised at a couple of the omissions, but no huge surprises. Khabibulin hasn't played in over a month and there is no return in site. Kovalev slept through the first 25 games, and Yashin was a reach to begin with.
Although they say otherwise, this team is really not very good defensively. At least not on paper. Grebeshkov. Need I say more??
This team will be banking on out scoring their opposition, but with Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Dasyuk, and Semin. They have the power to take anyone down. |
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 12/26/2009 : 08:48:28
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I agree they are weaker defensively than they let on but they do also have 3 of the hottest goalies this season. I still think the starting gig is Nabokov's to loose but with Bryzgalov playing as well as he is, it might be a short leash for Nabokov (A Russian Curtis Joseph/Martin Brodeur situation).
Up front they are an explosive team, it'll be interesting to see what the lines they finally go with are. The media has been touting the dream line of Ovechkin/Malkin/Kovalchuck but i think in the end they will keep the teammate pairings of Kovalchuck and Afineganov together, as well as Ovechkin and Semin with Datsyuk and Malkin centering each line. Keeping Radulov and Zinoviev togeher also makes sense with Slava Kozlov rounding out the third line. Leaving the fourth line as Danis Zaripov, Sergei Fedorov, and Alexi Morozov. Any way you slice it they are a scary team. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/26/2009 : 09:06:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Tiller33
I agree they are weaker defensively than they let on but they do also have 3 of the hottest goalies this season. I still think the starting gig is Nabokov's to loose but with Bryzgalov playing as well as he is, it might be a short leash for Nabokov (A Russian Curtis Joseph/Martin Brodeur situation).
Up front they are an explosive team, it'll be interesting to see what the lines they finally go with are. The media has been touting the dream line of Ovechkin/Malkin/Kovalchuck but i think in the end they will keep the teammate pairings of Kovalchuck and Afineganov together, as well as Ovechkin and Semin with Datsyuk and Malkin centering each line. Keeping Radulov and Zinoviev togeher also makes sense with Slava Kozlov rounding out the third line. Leaving the fourth line as Danis Zaripov, Sergei Fedorov, and Alexi Morozov. Any way you slice it they are a scary team.
I completely agree with the lines. Seems pretty dead on to me. Although, you gotta know that the PP is going to be Gonchar and Ovechkin at the points, with Kovalchuk, Malkin, as 2 of the 3 forwards.
How scary is that?? Better stay out of the box against the Russians. |
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Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 12/26/2009 : 10:49:40
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Ya the fire power they have is pretty unbelievable their PP will be tops in the tourny I'll bet. Wouldn't be surprised if the 3rd forward on the PP is Radulov most hockey fans have forgotten about him but he was a big part of the Predator's offence before he left (huge in junior with the Quebec Rempart too) and as a natural RW he would compliment Malkin and Kovalchuck well.
It's all nit picking by us though because Vyacheslav Bykov will be able to just tap 5 shoulders and send them out there. |
Edited by - Tiller33 on 12/26/2009 10:53:36 |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 12/26/2009 : 12:14:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
How scary is that?? Better stay out of the box against the Russians.
That's a warning that should be painted all over team Canada's dressing roome walls, stiched on their jerseys, maybe even tattooed backwards on their foreheads!  That's a seriously scary offensive group of forwards. As mentioned, if their goalie(s) play well enough, they could easily make up for the lack of defense on this squad.
I was a little surprised at Kovalev's omission. I know he's done little to nothing this year thus far and he's the defintion on enigma, but i find at this point in his career, he needs to play with some highly talented players and gel with them. I though he might steal a spot on the wing on one of the top 2 lines but really, when you look at the guys on those lines (the ones Tiller listed), the only one he might have stolen a spot from would be Afinogenov and he's had some good chemistry with Kovie. |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2009 : 11:00:49
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Since no one actually posted the team, here it is from the link provided by Tiller:
Goalies
Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix), Evgeni Nabokov (San Jose), Semyon Varlamov (Washington)
Defence
Sergei Gonchar (Pittsburgh), Denis Grebeshkov (Edmonton), Dmitri Kalinin (Salavat Ufa), Konstantin Korneyev (CSKA Moscow), Andrei Markov (Montreal), Ilya Nikulin (Ak Bars Kazan), Fedor Tyutin (Columbus), Anton Vonchenkov (Ottawa)
Forwards
Maxim Afinogenov (Atlanta), Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit), Sergei Fedorov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta), Viktor Kozlov (Salavat Ufa), Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh), Alexei Morozov (Ak Bars Kazan), Alexander Ovechkin (Washington), Alexander Radulov (Salavat Ufa), Alexander Semin (Washington), Danis Zaripov (Ak Bars Kazan), Sergei Zinoviev (Salavat Ufa)
Comments:
Goalies - I think it was a smooth move to choose Bryzgalov and Varlamov, the two goalies of the future for Russia. Both are playing very well, and could seamlessly take over Nabakov's position. Also, both of those guys are used to seeing a lot more rubber than Nabakov . . . which could come into play against the better teams. Anyways, I agree with keeping Khabi off.
D-men - Except for Korneyev and Nikulin, we know these guys and they will be pretty solid. Not at the same level as Sweden and Canada defence, but solid enough. The key for me is a healthy Gonchar, who if injured could make things dicy on defence for the russkies.
Forwards - gutsy call, and the correct one IMO, to leave Kovalev and Frolov off the roster. We knew they'd throw in a couple of KHLers, and they have, and we know what Federov, Morozov, Victor Kozlov and Radulov bring to the table . . . or at least, what kind of players they were in the NHL back in the day (have not seen Morozov or Kozlov for a while) . . . we must make note that Morozov has had a stellar career and MVP years in Russia, so he will be up there getting top 6 minutes I would think. So, the Russians haven't just gone with straight up skill, and take note - they have some forwards who can play solid, fore-checking D, which is why we don't see Kovalev, Frolov, Yashin.
Potential lines . . . .
Ovechkin - Malkin - Morozov
Semin - Datsyuk - Kovalchuk
Zaripov - Federov - Afinogenov
Zinoviev - V.Kozlov - Radulov
Note - yeah, they picked 12 forwards and 8 defencemen. And why not? They need more depth at D, and they are bound to roll their all-star forward line-up as more of a three line team, I think, with the top two lines on the ice about 80% of the time. Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk and Datsyuk are very used to playing tonnes of minutes, and they will certainly put almost any team constantly on their heels.
Canada HAS to have at least one very solid line to forecheck these guys!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Russian 2010 Olympic Team 
