Khovanov is probably in if the Kravtsov at C experiment fails.So, looks like this is how it looks at the start of WJC
Tarasov/Kochetkov; Miftakhov
Samorukov-Rubinchik
Alexeyev-Romanov
Morozov-Zhuravlyov
Denisenko-Kravtsov-Kostin
Kovalenko-Shen-Starkov
Marchenko-Morozov-Podkolzin
Muranov-Galimov-Slepets
With two roster spots still open and Khovanov, Shashkov, Olshanskiy and Kalabushkin still in the camp.
So, looks like this is how it looks at the start of WJC
Tarasov/Kochetkov; Miftakhov
Samorukov-Rubinchik
Alexeyev-Romanov
Morozov-Zhuravlyov
Denisenko-Kravtsov-Kostin
Kovalenko-Shen-Starkov
Marchenko-Morozov-Podkolzin
Muranov-Galimov-Slepets
With two roster spots still open and Khovanov, Shashkov, Olshanskiy and Kalabushkin still in the camp.
When was the last time Russia had this many drafted players on a roster ?especially at forward
Interesting, I thought Khovanov is the favorite because of his ability to play as a C.
Easy, it's the ever porous Russian defense plus that's how Bragin plays, that's how everybody plays in the KHL - not to allow a goal first hand, and Canada makes every turn over count.Why the coach hold them back? So much defence focus, when they had to play offensive against Swiss, they look ten times better. Same with Canada, when they play more offence, they were able to get Canada under pressure.
Easy, it's the ever porous Russian defense plus that's how Bragin plays, that's how everybody plays in the KHL - not to allow a goal first hand, and Canada makes every turn over count.
Usually, a disappointing finish by Russia can be attributed to defense, but I don't know if that's the case this year.
They only lost 1 game and I thought D did a solid job in that game.
I honestly think that more CHL players should be incorporated, and younger players should be considered as well. There's a lot of really high talent out there, I think Russia should be in the Gold Medal game almost every year.
I dunno. This team seemed more 'workman' than previous Bragin teams. Perhaps it was the Znarok influence.