Team Russia

[llipgh2]

I wonder who Semin pissed off.

Puts Russia in a sticky situation.

:rimshot:

[Digitalgypsy66]

Ha, I was just clearing my PMs out and noticed that Netwolf gave me a board warning for a similar comment a year or two ago.

[pcm]

I think the Russian's have the chance at upsetting any team in a 1 game situation. But I dont think they can go the distance.

[pcm]

Also, we get to see how well Malkin and Kulemin really do work together.

[penny lane]

http://en.rsport.ru/hockey/20140108/713498157.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

“In this situation, I feel very sorry only for our experienced defenseman Sergei Gonchar,” said Fetisov, who won Olympic gold with the Soviet Union in 1984 and 1988, plus two Stanley Cups.

“After all, our defensive line looks pretty young and Gonchar’s playing well in the NHL at the moment. I think that at such a fast-moving tournament [as the Olympics] his experience could be useful for the national team, especially on the power play.”

This would have been Sergei's 5th Olympics~ a record for Russian hockey.

[Gaucho]

Semin added to Olympic roster, replacing Sergei Soin and adding a little spunk to the Sbornaja.

[dodint]

Not sure if this is obvious, but why is Malkin wearing #11?

[MRandall25]

Because Kovalchuk wears 71 in International play.

[dodint]

I assumed someone already took it, just wondered who had more pull than Malkin. Thanks.

[mikey287]

If it were up to the Russian players, they'd all wear 17 or 71...goalies would wear 20...and that'd be pretty much it...

[Nuge]

Didn't he want to wear 11 here but it was already given to Staal? I thought that I remember something like that, but that may have been false.

[Idoit40fans]

That wouldn't make sense. He's older and had pro experience...and was basically a lock for the team. Staal may not have even stayed up if Malkin hadn't been hurt.

[SolidSnake]

Russia is gonna get crushed

[Nuge]

That wouldn't make sense. He's older and had pro experience...and was basically a lock for the team. Staal may not have even stayed up if Malkin hadn't been hurt.

Yeah, but Staal probably signed his entry level deal and was in contact with the penguins before Malkin was because he was on the run from his Russian team.

[meow]

Russia is gonna get crushed

I'll eat my shoe if they medal.

[Chefpatrick871]

My prediction for Russia, blown out 7-2 in the bronze medal game.

[meow]

My prediction for Russia, blown out 7-2 in the bronze medal game.

Typical lazy Russians

:pop:

[meecrofilm]

Don't forget Russia has exponentially better goaltending now than they did 4 years ago. Thinking back to that 7-3 blowout against Canada, if they get solid goaltending it could be a different game -- Nabakov was brutal that game.

If Datsyuk's body doesn't fall apart, I think they've got a great shot at a medal.

[Idoit40fans]

I don't think they have good goaltending. I also think goaltending is going to be a moot point with the defense and severe lack of good defensively capable forwards on the team.

[meow]

I don't think they have good goaltending. I also think goaltending is going to be a moot point with the defense and severe lack of good defensively capable forwards on the team.

I agree goaltending is a moot point, but their goaltending is solid. Bob somehow strung enough games together to win a Vezina.

[Idoit40fans]

In a shortened season, yeah he was great.

[pcm]

I'd go with Varlamov. The guy is far away the Avs MVP. Roy is turning him into something special. He's played better than Bob this season, and has more international experience. Plus he's used to playing in front of a no name defense with star-studded offense up front...

And while I'm pumping his tires, Varlmov is easily the best goalie in the central division. If you're looking for a cinderella team, I'd say the Avs have a shot at coming out of their division in the playoffs.

[mikey287]

While we're talking about Varly and I see meow in the distance...meow, any other goalies come to mind that have a better blocker than glove hand like Varly does (in my opinion)? I can't really think of any others...

[Gaucho]

They'll reach the final at least.

[murphydump55]

They'll reach the final at least.

Disagree, their blueline is too suspect.