SB Nation User Blog: tuvanhillbilly

Arturs Irbe: "They Need to Take A Young Guy for the Number 3 Spot in Vancouver"

tuvanhillbilly — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:50:10 -0000

More photos » by Alex Brandon - AP

How did I miss this? Not sure of the exact publication date, but sometime in the last week Slava Malamud over at Sport Express caught up with Washington Capitals goaltender coach Arturs Irbe and got his opinion on the goaltending situation in Vancouver.

The forthcoming Olympic Games might become historic for several reasons. It will be the first played on a North-American-sized rink and it is entirely possible that it will be the last one with the participation of players from the NHL. Also, for the first time in many years, it may present us with a finale featuring the strongest combination of players from Team Russian and Team Canada. And there is yet another milestone: it is entirely possible that Russia will come to Vancouver with the strongest goaltending brigade in the tournament.

Protecting the net wasn't a matter of paramount importance when Russian players were wearing CCCP on their chest, nor has it been in the post-Soviet era. The national style was a brilliant display of attacks and combinations, while the last line was paid far less attention. At best the position was entrusted to someone with unique natural talent. Now, however, Russia has four main goaltenders in the NHL and they are all in excellent shape. Can it really be that the last line of our national team will be our advantage over Canada, where we've always thought that great goaltenders grow on trees? And which among them can become the unexpected hero of the Games? Our expert Arturs Irbe answers these questions for Sport-Express.

Do you agree that Russia will have the best goaltender brigade at the Olympic Games?

"I think that's a little bit exaggerated. Although, perhaps, it is closer to the truth than it has ever been before. Especially in light of the fact that in recent years European and Canadian hockey have, in fact, merged. Russia has a very good selection. I'm sure this is a really nice problem for Slava Bykov."

And if this was your problem-whom would you choose as your number one?

"I don't think I have any right to talk about this. For sure someone would be offended or accuse me of having a bias. It's better that I refrain from answering."

Well, what if you could only choose between Bryzgalov or Nabokov, the winners of the last two World Championships?

"I could say that you need both of them to play in Vancouver. The tournament is very short, with a really difficult schedule, so you need to use two goaltenders. My experience has shown me that professionals in the Olympic Games can sometimes be knocked off their usual groove. The unusual practice and game schedules, always being in the same place, always being under scrutiny, the long waits.... and goaltenders are used to preparing according to a normal schedule, smooth and predictable."

You've said that the North American and European styles have blended together. Does this also apply to goaltenders?

Yeah, the goaltending schools are also, shall we say, hybridized. Europeans have learned something from the North Americans and vice-versa. It's really meaningless to contrast the two hockey schools now. The best goalies in the NHL are now using a mixed style. In the 90's when they were just getting used to the Europeans, the situation was different. Hasek made his way first, then me and Tommy Salo. We didn't play like the Canadians, and they didn't quite trust us. But now there's really no difference."

What can you say about Canadian goaltenders?

"The Canadians, just like everyone else, has to select their first pair. The third goalie is basically needed for emergency situations. It doesn't make sense to dress him for games, and you really can't have a normal practice with three goaltenders. As for the first pair, in any case Martin Brodeur deserves to be there. For second place you need to pick someone who can play at the NHL level. And for third place it makes sense to choose one of the young guys, like Fleury, Mason, or Price. They will be happy just to be there at the Olympics, and they won't spoil the atmosphere in the dressing room if they don't play. I think it makes sense to do the same thing with the other teams, including Russia."

Sometimes it's not the best team that wins the Olympics, but the best goaltender. In Nagano the Czechs were far from the best team, but they won because they had a superman in net, and one who was at his peak-Hasek. Who's going to be the Hasek this time?

"I agree, the Czechs weren't the strongest team but won because of a great goaltender. Who can become the next Hasek? Well, you've got Ryan Miller on team USA, for example, but personally I would pay attention to the Swedes and the Finns. The Finns have never won Olympic gold, and now they have a have whole host of distinguished goaltenders. It's like they [have an assembly line and] are just stamping them out. So I'm going to choose them as the dark horse.

By the way, is the Finnish school noticeable in your young ward, Semyon Varlamov? How does it show itself most often?

"Yeah, it's noticeable, but just a little. He's only been working with a Finnish coach for the last two years. The main features of the Finnish school are brilliantly delivered technique, skating, and movements. Finnish goaltenders are very economical and refined in their movements; they don't have any unnecessary hand movements, they always set up at the correct angle from the very first movement, without any extra steps, and they are always in the correct position."

But with Varlamov there's an impression that sometimes he saves himself with his athleticism and flexibility.

"Well, that's just a sign of youth."

Alexander Semin: "We Didn't Change Anything During Ovy's Absence"

tuvanhillbilly — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:41:07 -0000

More photos » by Julie Jacobson - AP

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In this weekend's edition of Sport-Express is the following brief interview of Alexander Semin by Slava Malamud, following the Washington Capital's 6:2 thumping of the Florida Panthers. Alex S. did an admirable job stepping up his game, and here's hoping that continues when Alex O. returns.

***

Slava Malamud Washington

Is Alex Ovechkin as indispensable to Washington as we think? Actually, yes. Of course he's indispensable, and even more than we think. We simply haven't had the opportunity to see the effect of his prolonged absence. But don't underestimate how the Capitals can unite and compensate for an Ovechkin insufficiency for two or three individual games. Especially against Florida.

This was Washington's third game against the Panthers this season, and all of them have been played without Ovechkin. The Capitals were victorious in all the matchups, scoring a total of 17 goals. Not too shabby for an exsanguinous team, am I right? All-in-all, this season Washington has had seven games without its main star, and garnered 11 of an available 14 points in those games. Apparently, it's time to admit that the Capitals aren't such a bad team just by themselves. Especially when Semyon Varlamov is in net.

The young Russian (who, if you recall, started the season in less than spectacular fashion) has won 11 of 15 games, losing two more in shootouts. He has won 24 out of an available 30 points - which is the best record among NHL goaltenders. In this game, Semyon had a very good chance to have his second shutout in eight days, but after the team got up to a 6:0 lead, they slacked off and allowed the visitors to spoil the goalkeeper's statistics. The always good-natured Varlamov was so upset that he didn't stop to talk to the press after the game. Washington seems to have the bad habit at times of stopping playing when they build up an advantage. Fortunately, even without Ovechkin, Washington's advantage can be prodded more than just a little bit. Especially when Alexander Semin is healthy.

The Siberian, who returned to the team after a seven-game absence, was the main hero, having a hand in four of the team's six goals. At the end of the game he could have had a hat-trick, but a fantastic scoring chance for Alexander was ruined by a broken stick. After the game, Semin shared his thoughts with your Sport-Express reporter on what it is like for him to be a main leader on the team.

You said earlier that you would need two or three games to get back in the swing of things after a long absence.

"Well, it's a good thing it turned out like it did. Everything worked out just right for me today. I could have even scored some more. Why was that? I don't know. Actually, I spent all my off time practicing, I didn't just sit around."

Do you feel like you are one hundred percent?

"It's difficult, of course. For two weeks I lost my rhythm a little bit. But everything feels good, and I didn't forget how to skate."

Are you sorry you didn't make the hat trick at the end?

"Yeah, I had two opportunities there. First, my stick broke, and then I almost broke away from a defender, but somehow he managed to get the puck away from me."

Do your sticks break very often?

"No."

When you're in situations like that, you usually shoot a wrist shot, but you decided to use a slapshot.

"I thought it was a little far. I probably just didn't have the energy to go any farther. That line was worn out."

Have you had to adjust in any way to Ovechkin's absence?

"No, we haven't changed anything. We just went out and played our game. The team performed flawlessly. Of course it's a pity that Ovy wasn't there, but what can you do?"

Do you feel that without him you have to take his place?

"This was my first game after (recovering from) my injury, and that's always tough. The guys really helped me, so I didn't think anything like that."

So maybe it's even easier for you without Ovechkin?

"We don't play specifically for him. I play according to the situation. If the situation calls for a pass, you pass. If it doesn't, you play it yourself. We don't have this attitude that we all work for a particular person."

Semyon Varlamov was a little upset.

"It's a shame, of course. The entire game was going towards a shutout, and then we stopped playing for a little bit."

You guys seem to do this quite a bit.

"Yeah, because it was 6:0. It turned out that we all slacked off a little bit, even though coach did say ‘Let's play for the goalie!'. And that's what happened."

Ovechkin:"I Sit in the Back, That's Where the Beer Is"

tuvanhillbilly — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:09:46 -0000

More photos » by Neil Davidson - AP

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I may have been gone for a while, dear readers, and it may have been a while since we've seen a long, interesting Russian-language translation, but the wait was worth it. Sovietsky Sport had Anna Nasekina, Russian five-time synchronized swimming world champion, cover the recent Montreal-Capitals game. This article has fantastic interviews with Vladislav Tretiak, Andrei Markov, Sergei Kostitsyn, Semyon Varlamov, and the best interview I think I've ever read with Alex Ovechkin. I needed a cigarette and a few minutes when I was done. Enjoy.

***

Just a week ago I had no interest in the draft, I thought a farm club was a gathering of cowboys, and had absolutely no idea who was the winner of the Stanley Cup last year. But then along came the commercial launch of the Synchronized Swimming Trophy in Montreal. Where Montreal and the Washington Capitals just happened to be playing...

OVECHKIN IS A CERTIFIED WIZARD

"In this city, even if WW III were to start, the first news you'd hear would still be the results of the next Canadiens game!" yelled my taxi driver. He wasn't holding the steering wheel or looking at the road. Turning to look at me, he waved his hands and screamed over the loud cries of the radio announcer. "Oh, that Ovechkin guy! He's a certified wizard! What he can do on the ice!" Without slowing down, he stuck his head out the window and yells "But! But! ("goal, goal" in French). The cabby is sharing his joy with his ‘brother' in the next car. "He kept his promise!"

What promise was that?

"Before the game today, Ovechkin went up to the Canadiens goalie-- Ooooh I've never seen anyone "approach" someone like this guy-and said ‘today I'm going to score on you'. And he scored on him! What an actor!"

Will Washington make it to the playoffs this year? - I've already studied up on the hockey lingo.

"Alex can carry the team. But the Capitals have a problem goaltender. Theodore, he's a jack-in-the-box. Today he can do everything, and tomorrow-nothing."

Varlamov's in goal now.

"He's still green. But I tell you, if you have a goalie, you have the Stanley Cup. Mademoiselle, are you going to the game at the Bell Center?

Yes, I'm going to root for Ovechkin.

"Are you Russian?"

You bet!

"A petite blonde with such a charming French accent" giggles the taxi driver. "Well that's the way it should be. The guy is really talented. He can do no wrong."

TRETIAK: SASHA PLOWS RIGHT THROUGH

You get a wide view from a distance-from the media booth located on the 8^th floor of the 20, 000 seat arena. From here, all I can see is the number 8, yellow laces and the unbelievable energy of the Russian hero. It seems like he is the only one on the ice. Ovechkin's stick doesn't even have a chance to touch the puck and the entire Bell Center erupts in raucous hooting. The Montreal fans are cautiously breaking in the Washington forward.

"I've never seen anyone play like that" commented Vladislav Tretiak, who had specially come to the game. "Even the most skilled players of the past always looked at their opponents. For Sasha, nobody else exists. He plows right through."

Did you come to the game for some specific reason?

"The Olympics are just around the corner. I have to look at the players, talk with them and see what kind of shape they are in."

Have you met with the injured Markov?

"Yes, and Andrey is in a good mood. But his recovery is the most important thing. I hope that we can count on him for Vancouver.

The meeting between the Canadiens and Washington turned out to be a nail biter.

"This is your first time at a hockey game and you are so lucky!" my Montreal counterpart Gennady Boguslavsky informs me. "If the score is tied after overtime, the game is decided on a shootout."

Shootout? (in Russian, "bullit"-TH) I heard that's the name of Andrey Markov's cat.

"Shootout, just like a penalty shot in soccer" said Gene.

I don't know about Markov's cat, but watching a shootout on ice can drain you of your emotions! It's a real test of your nervous system. The Capitals goaltender passed this test with flying colors. Varlamov got a shutout in the shootout. I jumped for joy, alone among the wounded Canadian fans. And then Gene grabbed me by the hand:

"Now we're going to the player's locker-room."

Where?!

"According to the NHL rules, every journalist accredited for the game can go into team's locker-room for post-game interviews."

I was paralyzed. Go into the team's locker-room after the game? Is this possible?

It was American cinema. Hockey players, freely walking around in their underwear among the correspondents, giving interviews almost in the shower. The managers clapped their hands and hurried them up:

"Guys, Guys, Hurry up, only five more minutes"

Cameras, microphones and tape recorders were bustling all around American players I didn't recognize. Responding to some questions, the players were able to get a sandwich from the refrigerator and, while chewing, sensibly explain the tactical and technical points of today's game.

Nevertheless, there was some tension in the air. Everyone was awaiting the entrance of one of the greatest hockey players on the planet.

Is Ovechkin always the last one? I asked an out-of-breath manager resting on a bench.

"Uh-huh. Everyone always waits for him. He's never in a hurry."

VARLAMOV: THERE IS AN EMPTINESS DURING THE SHOOTOUT

While I was waiting for Ovechkin, Semyon Varlamov, with a baseball cap pulled down over his eyes, was modestly answering questions from the Russian journalists. I waited until the Washington goaltender got free. Semyon looked at me warily from under his brim.

"Bobsled?"

I was taken aback.

Actually, synchronized swimming.

"Sorry, I was mistaken."

Well now let's hear a little bit more about this bobsled!

"When I was at the Junior Olympics, there was a female bobsledder. She also lived in the Olympic village."

And what about with this female bobsledder?

"Oh, nothing. I was still just a kid- 15 years old." Smiled Varlamov. "And what brings you here?"

A competition in Montreal. That's enough about that. Tell me what does a goaltender feel during the shootout? Does your heart fall down in your boots?

"You won't believe it, but there is an absolute emptiness. Like in outer space. After so many games, there isn't any emotion."

And when you let one in?

"You're very ashamed. The puck is in the net, and you think to yourself "what an idiot!"

Tretiak was at the game today. Did that help you to concentrate?

"I didn't really think about him being in the stands. I just did my job."

You're the hero today! You saved the team.

"I'm glad that I didn't mess things up in front of the champion."

Varlamov takes off his cap and writes on it "To Anna from Varly". My head is spinning from joy.

"As a keepsake. When could I see you perform?"

In July at the European championships. Semyon, enough about me. What's your condition for Vancouver?

"Fighting form. We have to show everyone what we are capable of."

At that moment Ovechkin approaches the press. My colleagues turn into a great swarm of mosquitoes and descend on the Washington star. I'm not in any hurry. I know that my time will come.

MARKOV: "I RELINQUISHED BULLIT AND BROUGHT IN MARUSYA"

Squeezing Varly's cap, I headed to the Canadien's dressing room to talk with one of the best defensemen of the National Team, Andrei markov. Alas, Andrei had already left. But before I could get upset, Gena Boguslavsky shoved a telephone in my hand:

"Andrei's on the line"

Immediately forgetting that I'm doing an interview, and that I'm supposed to ask intelligent questions, and that this is Markov, who has a reputation as a taciturn hermit, and that we are total strangers, I grab the phone:

Hi, this is Anya. Hello!

"Well, this is Andrei."

Andrei, are you upset that the Canadiens lost?

"Of course, I root for my own team. Although it seemed to me that Washington lost the initiative in the second period. But then the course of the game changed again."

That battle was no joke. Especially the shootout. And is it true that you have a cat at home named Bullit?

"The cat is in good hands. I now have a dog, an Irish setter named Marusya."

That's an interesting twist-I laughed. Markov, it seemed, did not share my joy.

"So how did you do?"

I thought that I had an auditory hallucination, but the question was repeated.

"How did the competition go?" - this guy also wanted to play the role of journalist.

It wasn't the best outcome. - I came to my senses. I only won one of the three programs. But it was the most important one.

"These things happen. You can't have victory without defeat."

"Wow!" flashed through my head.

What did Vladislav Tretiak say to you today?

"He and I talked business."

You didn't talk about the Olympics?

"No, there were no discussions about that."

They say that before the Olympics the Russian NHL players try not to touch one another. Is that true?

"I will tell you laconically. There are no friends on the ice."

How is your leg? When do you plan on returning to the ice?

"I've already started skating. I hope that in two to three weeks I'll be able to play."

How were you injured?

"I can't even explain it myself. My leg got cut with a skate. It was a game moment."

Did it hurt?

"Very much."

Get better soon and I wish you all the best.

"Thank you."

I hung up the phone and was trying on Varlamov's baseball cap, and who should come out of the locker room but Sergei Kostitsyn.

"So you were rooting for Washington?" he said, looking at the cap.

It'd be silly to deny it. Are you upset that you lost?

"There's still 70 games left. What is there to be upset about?"

The Canadiens will be 100 years old on December 4. Are you proud?

"Yes, the Canadiens have a rich history" said Kostitsyn while limping.

What's wrong with your leg?

"It's twisted, it's nothing. There will be a celebration at the Bell Center. They are inviting some old players like Elmer Lach. There's going to be a grand ceremony. Can I give you a ride?" Sergei unexpectedly offers on the way to the parking garage.

You can imagine that I didn't think very long about it.

In the car we talked about Belarus, about summer, about injuries, and about who thought up exercising after a game. We listened to music. Russian music. He has an entire collection of modern Russian pop in his Porsche.

We arrived and I got out of his car. I immediately realized that I had lost Varlamov's cap. It wasn't in my hands, it wasn't on my head, and it wasn't in the car. I panicked. We returned back to the stadium.

After several minutes the entire Bell Center knew that a Russian journalist had lost a hat from Varlamov. Everyone took part in the search, from stevedores to general managers. And they looked everywhere, from the basement to the 8^th floor. But they didn't find it. Having run three laps around the arena, in a lather and unglued, I returned to Kostitsyn.

I was expressionless. Such a gift, and I lost it! Sergei tried to console me with a Canadien's cap.

We returned to the hotel. We stopped in the exact same spot, I got out of the car, and I see lying there... the cap! On the pavement! Lying there! Nobody wanted it! What a happy day...

OVECHKIN:"I CAN'T GET ENOUGH STRETCHING"

I met up with Sasha Ovechkin the next day at a restaurant in the center of town.

"Sanya"-Ovechkin stands up and kisses my cheek.

Anya.

From the very first moment I feel like we've known each other for ten years.

The game was crazy yesterday. I never felt such emotions.

"Now go to a hockey game back in Moscow and compare the two."

I'll absolutely go. So do they differ much?

"Like night and day. The NHL is the best there is. To play here is a dream."

Does Washington have a good chance at the Stanley Cup this year?

"Right now we're in first place. But there are still 70 games ahead of us."

I guess you're pretty tired, huh?

"No, it's nothing. The main thing is to not think about being tired. Today I'm in Montreal, tomorrow I'll be in Carolina, then back again in Washington. That's my life, and I'm already used to it."

Do you fly on your own airplane?

"Yes, and it is mandatory to wear a suit. See, I'm already dressed"-Ovechkin fixes his tie. "Every player has his own seat on the plane. I have the second one, the very best!"

Do you also sit in the second seat on the bus?

"No, on the bus I'm on the third seat on the right. But after the game I always sit in the back of the bus. That's where the beer is."

What's it like living in Washington?

"It's good. It's a quiet city."

Do you get to Moscow often?

"During summer break. If you don't make it to the play-offs you have a full five months. If you make it to the play-offs it is three. But usually after the play-offs all the players are worn out. You spend your entire vacation recuperating. So are you a Muscovite?"

Yes. Where do you live in the city?

"Vodny Stadion. The greenest region of Moscow. I go out on the balcony, sip some beer, stretch out and go to sleep. I say grace. That's how I spend my vacation.

A girl comes up to Ovechkin and asks for an autograph.

There's probably no place left on earth where you can sit in peace?

"Come on! Some places they know me, some places they don't. It's not hard to sign autographs and pose for pictures. Basically, my philosophy is ‘what the hell'. This popularity is not really important to me" said Ovechkin, carelessly scribbling on a notepad.

So a star can never be captured?

"The illness of fame can be lost just as quickly as it is found."

Well it seems to me that the reputation of ‘caveman' flatters you.

"They call me caveman because I don't care what others think of me. I couldn't care less about anyone or anything."

If you didn't care about anything then you couldn't play the way you do.

"Well maybe I play the way I do only because it's all the same to me."

You mean to tell me that your manly unshaven face, your nonchalance, your missing tooth and yellow skates aren't part of your image?

"You want some wine?" Ovechkin suddenly changes the subject, taking a drink of a red California wine.

No thanks. Does someone create your image in the NHL? There must be a whole industry of image-makers there. - I continue the attack on the brink of a foul.

"I'm my own image-maker."

And fights-are they an integral part of the game?

"I don't fight. I hit. If I'm not doing it, I'm receiving it. Have you ever been to Beijing?" Once again Ovechkin changes the subject.

I have been.

"Was it good?"

That's not the word for it. It was the best thing that ever happened in my life.

"I was also in Beijing, when the women's fencers won the first gold medal. Now I can hardly wait for Vancouver. The World Cup is one thing, and the Olympics is something else entirely. We were only fourth place in Turin. Now we need to show them what we're made of."

What is more important, the Olympics or the Stanley Cup?

"Right now, the Olympics. I want to become an Olympic champion. But now you, as a synchronized swimmer, must be very limber?" Ovechkin asks suddenly.

Of course I'm limber.

"I don't stretch enough. I'm a forward, after all. You have to be flexible to slip between the defensemen. Every time I go to the gym I tell myself that I need to stretch, but I don't really do a good job of it. And my hands are small. I can't even wrap my hand around my wrist. I can only do yours."

Sasha takes my wrist in his hand.

Well now you're exaggerating; after all, you hold a stick in your hand. Now comes my turn to change the subject. Recently I saw your picture on the cover of a magazine. You looked cool!

"Glad you liked my picture, at least." --said Ovechkin and smiled a not-quite "I don't give a damn" smile.

Just don't complain that nobody likes you!

"I don't really care." Once again Ovechkin puts on his mask of indifference. "I'm only 24 years old. I'm not ready to settle down yet. How about you?"

Mama Ovechkin: "Gleason Needs to Get Himself a Pair of Glasses"

tuvanhillbilly — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:13:22 -0000

More photos » by Gerry Broome - AP

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[This afternoon] Sovietsky Sport correspondent Pavel Lysenkov spoke by telephone with Alex Ovechkin's mother, Tatiana Ovechkina, who was in Moscow.

"That defenseman Gleason should wear glasses when he's out on the ice!" said mama Ovechkin indignantly. "So he can see what's happening on the ice and have time to coordinate his moves. He even came back and played the rest of the game, and here Sasha could have been seriously injured."

"This is how I saw it: The defenseman got the puck, and Sasha went towards him to try and force a turnover. At that moment another Carolina player skated by him and blocked his view..."

"Again, Gleason should get him some rose or dark colored glasses. Or contact lenses. He shouldn't be staring at the ice, looking at the color of his laces or the puck. You can't play like that! A hockey player has to keep his head up! And my son was out the rest of the game..."

Like in the Buffalo game. That was also a crazy situation, and Kaleta didn't even get injured.

"They're all alive and healthy, and Sasha is expelled. Is that fair?"

Was Alexander seriously injured?

"I'm not going to talk about it. Ask him about it."

Is there a risk that he'll miss the Olympics?

"I don't think so. Knock on wood."

"Ovechkin, Malkin and Kovalchuk Will Surpass Me"

tuvanhillbilly — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:23:13 -0000

"Ovechkin, Malkin and Kovalchuk Will Surpass Me"

Sergei Fedorov, in an interview yesterday following his record-breaking achievement of 1,500 career points. He now has the most points of any Russian player, surpassing Sergei Makarov (1,372), Igor Larionov (1,284), and Alexander Mogilny (1,199). As of yesterday, Ovechkin was 16th among all Russians, with 601 points.

Alex Ovechkin: 'Those Two Weeks Lasted an Eternity'

tuvanhillbilly — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:51:37 -0000

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Following the extremely satisfying win by the Capitals in MSG, Sport-Express correspondent Vasilij Osipov caught up with Alex Ovechkin and Semyon Varlamov and got their impressions on the game.

****

The main game-day event in the NHL was, without a doubt, the return to the ice of the best player in the league for the past two years, Alex Ovechkin. Or, more precisely, the meticulous conspiracy which accompanied this return. During the morning practice skate Alexander the Great estimated his chances at returning as "fifty-fifty". And with his acting abilities, the head coach of the Capitals could play a spy in a television series. Bruce Boudreau declared, with a tragic sigh, that Ovi probably wouldn't be able to play...

Things only started coming in focus during the pre-game warm-ups. Guest number 8 spent a lot of time warming up on the ice, doing a lot of stretches. After that, Ovi started taking shots at the net with defenseman Green passing him the puck. Just watching him, it didn't seem like the Russian had been sidelined for two weeks, so powerful were his trademark shots.

However, the Russian National Team leader did start out playing fairly cautiously. This continued until the midpoint of the first period, when Alexander laid out the powerful New York defender Marc Staal. The famous Madison Square Garden had built a massive wall against the trespasser, but Ovechkin wasn't going to be stopped now. He had undoubtedly gotten dialed into the game. And soon the Muscovite showed that it wasn't for naught that he had worked so hard on his shot during the warm-ups. After a bump pass from Mike Green during a power play, he shot the puck past Henrik Lundqvist's right hand corner with an almost imperceptible blast

OVECHKIN: ‘THE FIGHT WOKE US UP'

During the second period, Ovechkin found a diagonal pass from Captain Chris Clark, who shot it over to Green, and the pass was put home by Brooks Laich. Besides a goal in his first game after returning from his injury, Alexander also racked up seven hits, more than anyone else on either team. After the game, Alex answered some questions from your SE reporter.

Not a bad comeback after an injury, wouldn't you say?

"Yeah, it was really good to score in the very first period. It really helps your self-confidence. But I really have to hand it to our tough-guy, Bradley. Today we came out on the ice a little sleepy after a three-day rest. But his fight really woke up the team. We started moving and playing more forcefully. And he made a beautiful game-winning goal. Way to go!"

Is the fact that you played a defensive position during the power play connected with your injury?"

"No, it's just simply that Mo had been on the ice for a long time and was a little tired. Coach told me to move "up". As you saw, that brought us success since I was able to beat Lundqvist."

How do you feel physically?

"Outstanding! I can't wait to get back out on the ice. Those two weeks which I spent on the sidelines seemed like an eternity. Plus, I was able to return in the most well-known arena on earth. I really like to play here, because the fans create an unforgettable hockey atmosphere. It's really great that we were able to win, especially since we haven't won here for a long time."

It seemed like you were playing a little bit cautiously at the beginning of the game.

"You're right, I was a little afraid to make hard hits, I was feeling a little bit of psychological pressure. I was subconsciously worried about re-injuring myself. But after Staal got caught up under my arm, I realized that my injury wasn't going to bother me and I could play at full strength. Then I got back to my usual game. (smiles)"

So you could say that Ovechkin's injury is behind him?

"Yes, I feel great."

VARLAMOV: ‘SASHKA- WAY TO GO'

One of the heroes of the game, Washington goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov, also shared his impressions with your SE reporter.

How were you able to beat a usually super-aggressive team?

"We played really well today on defense and we took advantage of the few chances which we got."

Can you tell a difference in a game with Ovechkin and one without him?

"I think that the team had a certain amount of nervousness. But we saw how Ovi played at full strength and that gave us confidence. Today he started playing actively right from the start, making a goal on the power play, playing twenty minutes, always leading the team."

Did your heart skip a beat when you saw how Alex was making one hard hit after another?

"We knew that he had trained well, and his recovery went a lot faster than anticipated. So basically, Sashka- way to go! He always kept the pressure on their defense, he played selflessly and he led the team."

Was it a difficult victory?

"We were really sweating several times, thinking that the Rangers might find the game which they were demonstrating at the beginning of the season. I'm really glad that we were able to keep the advantage."

Sergei Fedorov Named as Ambassador to 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi

tuvanhillbilly — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:47:20 -0000

Sergei Fedorov Named as Ambassador to 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi

Sure it is still four years away, but it appears another shot has been fired across the bow of the NHL as concerns the Sochi Olympics. Is it just coincidence that the newly named ambassador is beloved friend and former teammate of not only the most popular hockey player on earth but also the most vocal critic of a ban on NHL player participation in Sochi? h/t Sovietsky Sport
Moscow- 1 November- RIA Novosti. Well-known Russian hockey player, 3-time World Champion and 3-time Stanley Cup winner Sergei Fedorov has been named as the next ambassador to the 2014 Winter Olympic games in Sochi.
At a press conference on Sunday, ‘Sochi-2014’ organizational committee member Igor Stolyarov presented Fedorov with his credentials as ambassador to the games.
‘A great many sportsman have been previous ambassadors—Alexander Ovechkin, figure skaters Oksana Domina and Maksim Shabalin, bobsledder Alexander Zubkov and others. Sergei personifies not only the skills of a Sportsman with a capital ‘S’, but Olympic values as well. It means a great deal that he is still playing, and his North American experience helps his ambassadorial status. It is a great honor for me to name him as ambassador to the games’, said Stolyarov at a press-conference announcing the start of the online game ‘Sochi-Vancouver Rally Raid’.

Alexander Ovechkin: 'I'm a Hit‑and‑Run Player'

tuvanhillbilly — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:20:54 -0000

More photos » by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP

Browse more photos »

[Sport-Express reporter Slava Malamud caught up with Alex Ovechkin after the nail-biter against Philly and had this interview in today's issue of Sport-Express.. After reading Ovy's comments on the Semin-Ovechkin-Backstrom line perhaps it should now be called the Reese's Cup line?]

Ovechkin came out to meet the press directly from the shower, dressed only in a towel and some bling. Your correspondent is not informing you of his déshabillé simply for the sake of our female readership, but solely for the purpose of reporting some valuable news. Alexander's bling partially consisted of half of a Canadian dollar, attached to a chain around his neck. This is the infamous dollar (aka ‘lucky loonie') which Ovechkin dug out of the ice in Quebec after winning the World Championship finals in 2008. Friend and teammate Ilya Nikulin then took the coin with him in order to split it into two parts, and apparently he recently completed this assignment. Ilya must have been in high spirits when he sawed the coin, or perhaps he did it in the middle of the night, because the ‘loonie' is cut in half in a zigzag. Nonetheless, Ovechkin must be pleased with the results for he has proudly added it to his collection of cervical accessories. It's quite a novel concept, considering it's an Olympic year.

Concerning recent spate of injuries to Olympic hopefuls, Ovechkin had the following to say:

"Ahh hell only knows. The season's just begun and the three best players are injured. God willing, Markunya (Andrei Markov) will have recovered in time for the Olympics. I also wish speedy recoveries for Gonchu and Kovalyu (Sergei Gonchar and Ilya Kovalchuk) of course. In hockey, nobody's safe from anything. Even during an Olympic year you can't play injured and regret it. If you're going to regret it, it's much better to simply say that you've hurt your leg and take a week's rest."

While your friend Semin was ill, did you keep far away from him?

"We didn't see him at all. He stayed at home the entire time."

The swine flu has basically caused a state of emergency in this country. The journalists had to wash their hands before they came into the locker room. Is it upsetting?

"We try not to pay any attention to it."

You weren't very aggressive at the start of today's game.

"We were sleeping a little bit in the first period and didn't take advantage of opportunities. More precisely, we really didn't have any opportunities. After our opponent knocked in two goals we woke up and started playing aggressively and kept the puck in their zone."

It seems your hard hit on Richards woke up the team.

"It was just a game moment. I don't even remember who I hit, Richards or Hartnell. As I recall, Hartnell was the one who jumped on my back. Anyway, these things happen."

In any case, the game kept the fans on the edge of their seats. Was it also enjoyable for the players?

"Of course, especially since we came back from a two goal deficit. Theodore was magnificent today. He really saved us."

You're not going to recognize your contributions?

"Backstrom gave me an excellent pass, and I was a little bit lucky. The puck jumped, and [Kimmo] Timonen blocked [Ray] Emery's view."

It seems that Philadelphia is one of your favorite opponents.

"Yeah, I really like to play against them. Especially away games. The fans there are nuts. It's always a good test for me and the team."

The team has now won five games in a row. Is it safe to say that the bad start is far behind you now?

"Really good teams have to be able to win even more than five games in a row."

Certainly you were following the statistics and knew that Kopitar and Gaborik got ahead of you in goal-scoring.

"You tell me about it all the time. All the time."

Nevertheless you can't be used to seeing some other names above yours on the list of snipers?

"Yeah well, my goal this season is to get farther in the playoffs than last year. And I've already won the awards for top goal scorer and point leader. It's better to win something new."

But there are other objectives-like the record book. At least Mogilny's record.

"I don't look at that. You can only think about such things at the end of the season."

Can you comment on the reunion of the Semin-Ovechkin-Backstrom line?

"Semin and I understand each other perfectly. He is more of a technical player, able to make a pass, and I'm more of a hit-and-run type player. These two things go great together."

Glen Hanlon and his entire coaching staff dismissed from Dynamo Minsk

tuvanhillbilly — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:15:45 -0000

Glen Hanlon and his entire coaching staff dismissed from Dynamo Minsk

"According to the Belarus News Agency BELTA, after being trounced 1:4 at home today by Amur Khabarovsk, chairman of the Belarus Hockey Federation Vladimir Naumov announced the dismissal of Dynamo Minsk head coach Glen Hanlon, along with his entire coaching staff.
"…You all saw the game today. I am convinced that with the roster of players which we now have on Dynamo, the team should not be playing like this. So today I announced the dismissal of the entire coaching staff headed by Glen Hanlon" said Naumov. "He asked to resign four games ago, but I had no doubts about him as a highly qualified coach and I did not accept his resignation. Today I expected that Glen would come to the press conference and explain his situation, but since he is not here I had to announce the dismissal myself."
Naumov went on to say that just 20 minutes before the press conference he talked with "Gomel" head coach Alexander Andrievsky and offered him command of the team."
h/t Dmitry Chesnokov

Madeleine Albright: "Alex Ovechkin is the Most Popular Person in Washington"

tuvanhillbilly — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:09:44 -0000

Madeleine Albright: "Alex Ovechkin is the Most Popular Person in Washington"

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was a keynote participant yesterday at the "Young Entrepreneurs International Business Forum" in Omsk, Russia. In an interview with the Russian press, Albright noted that "You know, right now in the capital city of Washington, the most popular person is your hockey player, Alexander Ovechkin, while in Omsk, it's Jaromir Jagr, who once played for our team, the Washington Capitals". She went on to mention that her granddaughter was a cheerleader for a hockey team and she was "for sure" taking her an Avangard Omsk jersey as a souvenir.