Official Russian WC roster

Aleksandr Eremenko
Maksim Sokolov
Sergei Zvyagin

Sergei Gusev
Aleksandr Karpovtsev
Vitali Proshkin
Denis Denisov
Sergei Vyshedkevitsh
Aleksandr Ryasantsev
Dmitri Kalinin
Andrei Markov

Aleksandr Ovetshkin
Pavel Datsjuk
Evgenie Malkin
Aleksandr Haritonov
Ivan Neprjaev
Viktor Kozlov
Aleksei Kovalev
Vladimir Antipov
Aleksandr Semin
Sergei Zinovjev
Maksim Afinogenov
Ilja Kovaltshuk
Aleksei Jashin
Fedor Fedorov

Source (http://www.fhr.ru/NewsItem.aspx?news_id=257)

Afanasenkov, Vishnevsky and Simakov didn't make the final cut.

Wow... that D is weak.

Wow... that D is weak.
That D haven't any NHL star, but it doesn't make it weak.

Yeah is no Crosby there .......

That D haven't any NHL star, but it doesn't make it weak.

I agree.

Wow... that D is weak.

Now that the NHL is in coma and most players are playing at a comparable level, it's high time for a sobering overall view of the world that's been in order for a good while. At this point notable NHL status is a nice intangible at best.

I repost (from Russian forum) our line-up according to EuroTour Final games and what Krikunov have said lately:

Kharitonov - Datsyuk - Kovalev
Semin - Yashin - Kozlov
Kovalchuk - Zinovjev - Antipov
Ovechkin - Malkin - Afinogenov
extras : Nepryaev, Fedorov

Probably, in the first games our 3rd line will look like Kovalchuk - Nepryaev - Antipov while drug dealer is recovering

Pairs according to Krikunov:

Karpovtsev - Kalinin
Proshkin - Ryazantsev
Vyshidkevich - A.Markov
Gusev - Denisov

Sokolov
Eremenko

I can already feel all the North American Russia bashers coming! :lol:

"This team sucks", "no defense", "the goaltending is crap", "this team has no chance", "apart from Markov this team has nobody" and so on :D

I'm ready, but I won't post anything in this thread, I have too many warning points already!

I can already feel all the North American Russia bashers coming! :lol:

"This team sucks", "no defense", "the goaltending is crap", "this team has no chance", "apart from Markov this team has nobody" and so on :D

I'm ready, but I won't post anything in this thread, I have too many warning points already!

Who is Markov?

Who is Markov?
Andrei Markov i believe,plays for the habs.Talented guy but if i were them i would have taken another Markov instead.....Danny Markov,great little player with a lot of moxie,that's the kind of guy they could use imo.

Andrei Markov i believe,plays for the habs.Talented guy but if i were them i would have taken another Markov instead.....Danny Markov,great little player with a lot of moxie,that's the kind of guy they could use imo.

Okay, and this Danny Markov...does he play in RSL or what?

Andrei Markov i believe,plays for the habs.Talented guy but if i were them i would have taken another Markov instead.....Danny Markov,great little player with a lot of moxie,that's the kind of guy they could use imo.
Injured. He took a shot in the face.

Injured. He took a shot in the face.
Ah...i see

Okay, and this Danny Markov...does he play in RSL or what?
Plays for the Flyers in the nhl,not sure where he played this lock-out but from the Russian poster who just posted it appears he did play in the Russian league this year.Toronto would love to have him back i bet.Used to play for the Leafs.

Plays for the Flyers in the nhl,not sure where he played this lock-out but from the Russian poster who just posted it appears he did play in the Russian league this year.Toronto would love to have him back i bet.Used to play for the Leafs.
He played in tier 2 league. Was injured during semifinals in PO.

He played in Upper (2nd tier) league. Was injured during semifinals in PO.
Why did he play in the tier 2 league? He's a damn good player who i would figure would play in the top league.

Why did he play in the tier 2 league? He's a damn good player who i would figure would play in the top league.

well Swedens best defenseman Mathias Norström played in the 3rd-tier leauge in sweden during the lock-out :jump:

Ah...i see
and, he probably doesnt

well Swedens best defenseman Mathias Norström played in the 3rd-tier leauge in sweden during the lock-out :jump:
True enough.

I guess Russia's going for the "we better score 4-5 goals to have a chance at winning approach"?




;)



Though, seriously they couldn't do any better than that on defense?


However, I do like working a lot of the youngsters into the lineup as far as forwards go.

I guess Russia's going for the "we better score 4-5 goals to have a chance at winning approach"?




;)



Though, seriously they couldn't do any better than that on defense?


However, I do like working a lot of the youngsters into the lineup as far as forwards go.

This defense allowed 3 goals in 2 games against Sweden, and Vishnevsky didn't make the cut whereas he played at the World Cup!

From what I saw when the Russians played Sweden, this D isn't weak at all. Maybe some of those guys are a bit slow footed but these guys are no pylons.

d. markov probably wouldnt have played in the world championships as he seems to have problems with the rhf. he refused to play in the world cup after the fallout with w larionov. shame. great player, tough as nails. and he still sneaks cigarettes once in a while during the season.

I can already feel all the North American Russia bashers coming! :lol:

"This team sucks", "no defense", "the goaltending is crap", "this team has no chance", "apart from Markov this team has nobody" and so on :D

I'm ready, but I won't post anything in this thread, I have too many warning points already!


Get used to it.

People have been laughing at the American roster ever since it was released just because 2 or 3 guys that are stars in Europe but not the NHL were named. It's silly, but the tournament itself will tell the tale.

Get used to it.

People have been laughing at the American roster ever since it was released just because 2 or 3 guys that are stars in Europe but not the NHL were named. It's silly, but the tournament itself will tell the tale.

Same here. Cause a player doesnt play in the NHL doesnt mean he will play badly.

Any word on what exactly happened to Frolov? Is it an injury or is it the dispute with the coach? I know both had been reported in the media.

Awsome news. Its great to see Malkin making the team.

Didnt Nabokov try out? How did he not make it?

Same here. Cause a player doesnt play in the NHL doesnt mean he will play badly.

Exactly. Didn't the Czechs have only 10 NHL players in Nagano in 98? :teach:

Didnt Nabokov try out? How did he not make it?
He's with his sick wife in the US.

Get used to it.

People have been laughing at the American roster ever since it was released just because 2 or 3 guys that are stars in Europe but not the NHL were named. It's silly, but the tournament itself will tell the tale.

Yes, it is weird. Tim Thomas for example is a great player but seems to get no love.

Andrei Markov i believe,plays for the habs.Talented guy but if i were them i would have taken another Markov instead.....Danny Markov,great little player with a lot of moxie,that's the kind of guy they could use imo.

Andrei Markov is by far a better D than Danila Markov IMO. Andrei is one of the most underated D's in the NHL and even on his national team (didn't play much in the WC).. he already won twice the best D award in the RSL, and should be, if not already, chosen as the best this year too as he was one of the main factors of Dynamo's success.

On an other note, the team is very young but sould be the most exciting team too watch to an unbiaised hockey fan.

Malkin rocks! :jump:

edit: feel bad to mention it, but typo... well I treid :confused:

Only disappointed that Kasparaitis isn't there, but overall a wicked team.

No Vishnevski? He had a great year. :confused: :shakehead

Only disappointed that Kasparaitis isn't there, but overall a wicked team.

:sarcasm: disapointed :sarcasm:

Everybody I know is so glad he isin't on the team!! He suck big time

No Perezhogin? :(

No Perezhogin? :(
Injured

But I dont't understand my Vishnevsky didn't make it...
:cry:

Darius Kasparaitis did play in Russia during the lockout but he is not on the Russian team :shakehead

I'm sure I won't be the first one to say this, but the Russian back end isn't good enough. In a best-of-one, I know I would take Thomas Vokoun, Rick DiPietro, Lundquist, whoever the Finns ice or any one of Canada's three goalies over anyone that Russia has. I'm a big fan of A. Markov and Kalinen, but I'm not sure about the rest of the defence, and I'm definitely not convinced by Sergei Gusev and Karpotsev.

The forwards are great. All sorts of talent, scoring goals should not be a problem, and unlike Canada's forwards, these guys having been playing all year.

As with recent Russian teams, the big concerns are keeping the puck out of the net and chemistry. Russian teams, especially at the senior level, have failed to come together, and often look like 18 individuals out for themselves, not a team. A big reason this country hasn't won gold since 1993. If they gel, the offence will be scary. But they'll have to win a lot of 6-5, 7-6 games to claim a medal, and scoring 7 goals against a Brodeur or Vokoun isn't an easy task.

Do not underestimate the power of Krikunov! :teach:

I'm sure I won't be the first one to say this, but the Russian back end isn't good enough. In a best-of-one, I know I would take Thomas Vokoun, Rick DiPietro, Lundquist, whoever the Finns ice or any one of Canada's three goalies over anyone that Russia has.

That's the thing about best-of-ones, though. It only takes one great performance to advance to the next round.

Andrei Markov is by far a better D than Danila Markov IMO.

I love when somebody from Montreal compares the 2 Markov's :snide:

This season Andrei Markov was the best defenceman in the RSL. No doubt about that.

Andrei Markov is by far a better D than Danila Markov IMO. Andrei is one of the most underated D's in the NHL and even on his national team (didn't play much in the WC).. he already won twice the best D award in the RSL, and should be, if not already, chosen as the best this year too as he was one of the main factors of Dynamo's success.

On an other note, the team is very young but sould be the most exciting team too watch to an unbiaised hockey fan.

Malkin rocks! :jump:

edit: feel bad to mention it, but typo... well I treid :confused:
Nah.........he's allright but does'nt bring the jam like Markov.Andrei is more talented but does'nt have Danil's game face and never will.And i'm saying this as a habs fan.Maybe he's better in the rsl but in the nhl Danil is more valuable to a team imo.

Result of exhibition game:
Slovenia - Russia 0-4, (0:0, 0:3, 0:1)
Semin (Gusev, Afinogenov) 32, Fedorov (Yashin, Karpovtsev) 34, Kovalchuk (Nepryaev) 35, Afinogenov (Proshkin, Ryazantsev) 60

Nah.........he's allright but does'nt bring the jam like Markov.Andrei is more talented but does'nt have Danil's game face and never will.And i'm saying this as a habs fan.Maybe he's better in the rsl but in the nhl Danil is more valuable to a team imo.
Ask Hab fans how A.Markov is valuable to them, A.Markov brings more to the table than D.Markov.

Ask Hab fans how A.Markov is valuable to them, A.Markov brings more to the table than D.Markov.
I am a habs fan and watch him all the time.I like him just fine and am glad he's doing really well over there as he should come back a better and more confident player.Having said that,Danil is a real firebox out there and that is exactly what Montreal could use.He's neither as slick nor as naturally skilled as Andrei at all but he's ten times as tough and plays way better playoff style type defense.He's not totally bereft of skill at all either.I'll say one thing about Andrei over Danil....Danil does'nt stay as healthy and there is a good reason for it.Remember reading a few posts back where the Russian poster answered me saying Danil isn't playing because he got hit in the eye? Well......that's exactly the **** i'm talkin about......probably went right in front of a howitzer shot to take one for the team....that's the kinda guy he is and that's why i love the kid......every team needs them. It's fine you like Andrei better and i understand why.....but i don't and i understand why i don't too.
Trust me,Danil brings plenty to the table,it may not be filet mignon but it's always hearty re-fried beans.Always

Result of exhibition game:
Slovenia - Russia 0-4, (0:0, 0:3, 0:1)
Semin (Gusev, Afinogenov) 32, Fedorov (Yashin, Karpovtsev) 34, Kovalchuk (Nepryaev) 35, Afinogenov (Proshkin, Ryazantsev) 60

Gazeta.ru and Sovetsky Sport's boxscore don't have the same scoring stats. They say the goals were scored by Datsyuk, Fedorov, Antipov and Afinogenov. :dunno:

I guess this is off topic, but does anyone know what's wrong with Nabokov's wife?

Aleksandr Ryasantsev

I always thought this guy had something. Maybe Colorado fans will know something I don't and dispute this, but I thought he was pretty good in the minors and expected him to be a halfway decent NHL defenseman. IIRC, he was a monster at the World Juniors a while back as well.

Who's that "Aleksandr Ovetshkin" guy? Is he a new dude? :dunno: ;)

Who's that "Aleksandr Ovetshkin" guy? Is he a new dude? :dunno: ;)

yea. He's supposed to be better then Crosby.

Who's that "Aleksandr Ovetshkin" guy? Is he a new dude? :dunno: ;)

he is the guy in your avatar :biglaugh:

Injured. He took a shot in the face.

Curse of the Flyers. Todd "Fridge" Fedoruk took a puck in the face earlier this year too. Last year it was Roenick and Somik.

Couldn't help but laugh at that story of how he sneaks cigarettes in. Someone want to elaborate on that?

Who's that "Aleksandr Ovetshkin" guy? Is he a new dude? :dunno: ;)

I wonder if he'll finish the tournament this time? ;)

he is the guy in your avatar :biglaugh:

I think thats why he had the ;) in there.

BTW, who's this Pavel Datsjuk? ;) ;)

I am a habs fan and watch him all the time.I like him just fine and am glad he's doing really well over there as he should come back a better and more confident player.Having said that,Danil is a real firebox out there and that is exactly what Montreal could use.He's neither as slick nor as naturally skilled as Andrei at all but he's ten times as tough and plays way better playoff style type defense.He's not totally bereft of skill at all either.I'll say one thing about Andrei over Danil....Danil does'nt stay as healthy and there is a good reason for it.Remember reading a few posts back where the Russian poster answered me saying Danil isn't playing because he got hit in the eye? Well......that's exactly the **** i'm talkin about......probably went right in front of a howitzer shot to take one for the team....that's the kinda guy he is and that's why i love the kid......every team needs them. It's fine you like Andrei better and i understand why.....but i don't and i understand why i don't too.
Trust me,Danil brings plenty to the table,it may not be filet mignon but it's always hearty re-fried beans.Always
There must be a reason why he played for so many teams...

there was a story last year in the playoffs where after a practice d. markov was going outside to have a smoke. he was saying hitchkock couldnt find out or else he would get in trouble. funny stuff. i use that story to justify smoking a bit during during my season. markov seems like a real character. there's another great story where earlier in his career he took a penalty, let the ref have it and received a 2 min unsportsmanlike for his it. upon serving he comes out of the box, starts giving it to the ref again and he gets another unsportmanlike. he serves his penalty, comes out of the box again, skates up to the ref and throws his hands up say, 'i surrender.' great stuff.

great guy, great player, shame he's not on the russian team.

Gazeta.ru and Sovetsky Sport's boxscore don't have the same scoring stats. They say the goals were scored by Datsyuk, Fedorov, Antipov and Afinogenov. :dunno:

Now I am really starting to think that it is gazeta.vru. I watched sport news today and it was said: Semin, Fedorov, Kovalchuk, Afinogenov.

Gazeta.ru and Sovetsky Sport's boxscore don't have the same scoring stats. They say the goals were scored by Datsyuk, Fedorov, Antipov and Afinogenov. :dunno:

Final result of friendship game Slovenia vs. Russia:

Slovenia : Russia 0:4 (0:0,0:3,0:1)
Jesenice, Slovenia
5000 Spectators

0:1 RUS Semin (Gusev, Afinogenov) (12)
0:2 RUS Fedorov (Jashin, Karpovtsev) (14)
0:3 RUS Kovaltshuk (Neprjaev) (15)
0:4 RUS Afinogenov (Proshkin, Ryasantsev) (60)

PIM: Slovenia - 12 min; Russia - 8 min
Shots on goal: Slovenia - 12; Russia - 34

Best players:
Anze Kopitar (Slovenia) and Aleksei Jashin (Russia)

Final result of friendship game Slovenia vs. Russia:

Slovenia : Russia 0:4 (0:0,0:3,0:1)
Jesenice, Slovenia
5000 Spectators

0:1 RUS Semin (Gusev, Afinogenov) (12)
0:2 RUS Fedorov (Jashin, Karpovtsev) (14)
0:3 RUS Kovaltshuk (Neprjaev) (15)
0:4 RUS Afinogenov (Proshkin, Ryasantsev) (60)

PIM: Slovenia - 12 min; Russia - 8 min
Shots on goal: Slovenia - 12; Russia - 34

Best players:
Anze Kopitar (Slovenia) and Aleksei Jashin (Russia)

No!

The first goal was scored by Datsyuk, and the third one by Antipov. I've just seen the highlights!

Sorry if this has been posted before (to lazy to read through entire thread) but why doesn't Zherdev get any love from the Russian national team?

Still a political issue? No doubt he has the talent to be on this team.

Was Samsonov left of because of an injury or another reason?

Was Samsonov left of because of an injury or another reason?
http://www.rushockey.com/events.php?i=sl&stream=sl_news&id=219
Look at the date. He isn't alright still.

There must be a reason why he played for so many teams...
Yeah,lot's of teams want him.I wish the habs had him.....now Andrei and Danil on the team together would make me very happy. :)

there was a story last year in the playoffs where after a practice d. markov was going outside to have a smoke. he was saying hitchkock couldnt find out or else he would get in trouble. funny stuff. i use that story to justify smoking a bit during during my season. markov seems like a real character. there's another great story where earlier in his career he took a penalty, let the ref have it and received a 2 min unsportsmanlike for his it. upon serving he comes out of the box, starts giving it to the ref again and he gets another unsportmanlike. he serves his penalty, comes out of the box again, skates up to the ref and throws his hands up say, 'i surrender.' great stuff.

great guy, great player, shame he's not on the russian team.
Funny story,that's Danil for ya.....every team can use a guy like him.

WHERE IS FROLOV???????

Sorry if this has been posted before (to lazy to read through entire thread) but why doesn't Zherdev get any love from the Russian national team?

Still a political issue? No doubt he has the talent to be on this team.

Cause he is a Puckhogger and doesnt help the defense very much......Acuallty i was in the squad for Rosno cup but then he got injured...

WHERE IS FROLOV???????

Who is Frolov?

Who is Frolov?
http://www.eurohockey.net/players/frameset.cgi?page=show_player.cgi?serial=32937

I am a habs fan and watch him all the time.I like him just fine and am glad he's doing really well over there as he should come back a better and more confident player.Having said that,Danil is a real firebox out there and that is exactly what Montreal could use.He's neither as slick nor as naturally skilled as Andrei at all but he's ten times as tough and plays way better playoff style type defense.He's not totally bereft of skill at all either.I'll say one thing about Andrei over Danil....Danil does'nt stay as healthy and there is a good reason for it.Remember reading a few posts back where the Russian poster answered me saying Danil isn't playing because he got hit in the eye? Well......that's exactly the **** i'm talkin about......probably went right in front of a howitzer shot to take one for the team....that's the kinda guy he is and that's why i love the kid......every team needs them. It's fine you like Andrei better and i understand why.....but i don't and i understand why i don't too.
Trust me,Danil brings plenty to the table,it may not be filet mignon but it's always hearty re-fried beans.Always

It's an opinion, but I can't agree to that. Specially about the playoff style you're talking about. Any hab fan with some jugement will tell you how good Markov was against Joe Thornton and the Boston Bruins. Remember the butt-ending and the crosscheks? He virtualy neutralised Thornton, which by any standards, is one of the best powerforwards in the NHL.

I think there's a misconception about defenceman in north-amercia. Always has to be a tough, body throwing, stick swinging guy. To me a good defenceman is the one that goes in the corner and comes out with the puck, whether he uses his shoulders, or technical skill dosen't have any importance. And A.Markov is exactly the type of defenceman that wins battles, but he also is great at generating counter-attacks and on the PP. He's a complete player.

The thing with A.Markov is that he's a shy guy and dosen't seek stardom, simply does his job...so he's less regarded as an elite defenseman, which he is.

I love when somebody from Montreal compares the 2 Markov's :snide:

Don't you live in Lyon? What do they know about Markov's there :p:

It's an opinion, but I can't agree to that. Specially about the playoff style you're talking about. Any hab fan with some jugement will tell you how good Markov was against Joe Thornton and the Boston Bruins. Remember the butt-ending and the crosscheks? He virtualy neutralised Thornton, which by any standards, is one of the best powerforwards in the NHL.

I think there's a misconception about defenceman in north-amercia. Always has to be a tough, body throwing, stick swinging guy. To me a good defenceman is the one that goes in the corner and comes out with the puck, whether he uses his shoulders, or technical skill dosen't have any importance. And A.Markov is exactly the type of defenceman that wins battles, but he also is great at generating counter-attacks and on the PP. He's a complete player.

The thing with A.Markov is that he's a shy guy and dosen't seek stardom, simply does his job...so he's less regarded as an elite defenseman, which he is.
I see what you're saying and think you have good points.A couple of disclaimers though
1.He did'nt have to do anything to neutralize thornton in that series,anyone could have done it because he was neutralised before the series even began with his rib injury,he did no special job on him and he did'nt have to.In reality a Healthy thornton going against Andrei is not a match-up Montreal would want as Thornton would most likely eat him pretty bad during the series.

2.Tough,body-checking...yes.Strickswinging.....no.We don't like that and i don't know why that myth is still carried on in Russian fans minds.We play thye game tough and beautiful,the other stuff is made up in your mind by watching a few reels of Marty Mcsorely.Why? Time to let that go guys...especially with Alexander Perezhogin existing right?

3. We like guys that come out of the corner and scrum with the puck too,that's why we produce on average the best d-men in the world at doing that.Do you think Adam
Foote just nails a guy and then watches him lay down on the ice and goes to the bench? I think not and i'm sure if you watch games you know that also.No,these guys win the puck for their team by taking the body,it's an old effective way of doing it,different from how many european players prefer to do it but it has the same result and gives you a little extra(physical punishment).

Other then that i think you have solid points.I do think Andrei is more talented but i still prefer Danil anyday.It's not all about who is more gifted as any coach will tell you.Anyway i prefer Danil and i'm sticking to it.I still like andrei...just not as much.

I see what you're saying and think you have good points.A couple of disclaimers though
1.He did'nt have to do anything to neutralize thornton in that series,anyone could have done it because he was neutralised before the series even began with his rib injury,he did no special job on him and he did'nt have to.In reality a Healthy thornton going against Andrei is not a match-up Montreal would want as Thornton would most likely eat him pretty bad during the series.

2.Tough,body-checking...yes.Strickswinging.....no.We don't like that and i don't know why that myth is still carried on in Russian fans minds.We play thye game tough and beautiful,the other stuff is made up in your mind by watching a few reels of Marty Mcsorely.Why? Time to let that go guys...especially with Alexander Perezhogin existing right?

3. We like guys that come out of the corner and scrum with the puck too,that's why we produce on average the best d-men in the world at doing that.Do you think Adam
Foote just nails a guy and then watches him lay down on the ice and goes to the bench? I think not and i'm sure if you watch games you know that also.No,these guys win the puck for their team by taking the body,it's an old effective way of doing it,different from how many european players prefer to do it but it has the same result and gives you a little extra(physical punishment).

Other then that i think you have solid points.I do think Andrei is more talented but i still prefer Danil anyday.It's not all about who is more gifted as any coach will tell you.Anyway i prefer Danil and i'm sticking to it.I still like andrei...just not as much.
The reason why i think that Markov is better is his intelligence on the ice. He sees everything and has tremendous anticipation. Physical play i not that important, smarts and skill is worth more (see Scott Niedermyer)

I see what you're saying and think you have good points.A couple of disclaimers though
1.He did'nt have to do anything to neutralize thornton in that series,anyone could have done it because he was neutralised before the series even began with his rib injury,he did no special job on him and he did'nt have to.In reality a Healthy thornton going against Andrei is not a match-up Montreal would want as Thornton would most likely eat him pretty bad during the series.

The Markov-Thornton match is older than just the past series... 2 ou 3 years old. Probably justifies Thornton's constant frustration against Andrei... so I would say yes it is a match up, and Andrei has been the best so far.

2.Tough,body-checking...yes.Strickswinging.....no.We don't like that and i don't know why that myth is still carried on in Russian fans minds.We play thye game tough and beautiful,the other stuff is made up in your mind by watching a few reels of Marty Mcsorely.Why? Time to let that go guys...especially with Alexander Perezhogin existing right?

By stickswinging (slashing) I wasn't talking about the violent incidents, but usual cheking in front of the net that involves working with your stick to disturb the opponent. They don't say you pay the price for nothing. The best exemple is Souray, it's incredible to see how often he swings his stick at a player if compared to a guy like Markov... but if I need to chose between them to counter a top player, I chose Markov over Souray anytime. By the way, russian d's are known for their slashing... before anyone points it out.

3. We like guys that come out of the corner and scrum with the puck too,that's why we produce on average the best d-men in the world at doing that.Do you think Adam
Foote just nails a guy and then watches him lay down on the ice and goes to the bench? I think not and i'm sure if you watch games you know that also.No,these guys win the puck for their team by taking the body,it's an old effective way of doing it,different from how many european players prefer to do it but it has the same result and gives you a little extra(physical punishment).

Canada produces on average the best D's for many reasons. The popularity of hockey in Canada, hockey schools that teach defensive game early, defensive mindstate in general vs offensive for russians. As for the rest, well, I mentionned that the way the player uses to win the battle isin't important, but that some people's perception of the what makes a D a good D is biaised by the physical aspect, when to me a good D is simply winning battles and not allowing the other team to score. Who cares about how you punished the opponent if at the end of the night you're -3. Danila is a very good defenceman, but imo Andrei is way more reliable.

Other then that i think you have solid points.I do think Andrei is more talented but i still prefer Danil anyday.It's not all about who is more gifted as any coach will tell you.Anyway i prefer Danil and i'm sticking to it.I still like andrei...just not as much.

You have very good points too, I guess it's simply a question of what style you like the most.

The Markov-Thornton match is older than just the past series... 2 ou 3 years old. Probably justifies Thornton's constant frustration against Andrei... so I would say yes it is a match up, and Andrei has been the best so far.



By stickswinging (slashing) I wasn't talking about the violent incidents, but usual cheking in front of the net that involves working with your stick to disturb the opponent. They don't say you pay the price for nothing. The best exemple is Souray, it's incredible to see how often he swings his stick at a player if compared to a guy like Markov... but if I need to chose between them to counter a top player, I chose Markov over Souray anytime. By the way, russian d's are known for their slashing... before anyone points it out.



Canada produces on average the best D's for many reasons. The popularity of hockey in Canada, hockey schools that teach defensive game early, defensive mindstate in general vs offensive for russians. As for the rest, well, I mentionned that the way the player uses to win the battle isin't important, but that some people's perception of the what makes a D a good D is biaised by the physical aspect, when to me a good D is simply winning battles and not allowing the other team to score. Who cares about how you punished the opponent if at the end of the night you're -3. Danila is a very good defenceman, but imo Andrei is way more reliable.



You have very good points too, I guess it's simply a question of what style you like the most.
I can see what you're saying as you've clarified your view here. Your points are valid but what can i say......i just still like Danil more.....i guess it's just style of play preference.I'm certainly glad Andrei plays for the habs though,we need good players and he is one.

I prefer Danny, but that's a close call

I prefer Danny, but that's a close call

Fourchette, I would like to see your top 10 of russian defenceman...

Fourchette, I would like to see your top 10 of russian defenceman...

I won't waste my time posting some useless tops ... sorry.

I'm not a fourchette, but Вилька!

How come Morozov didnt get picked or invited? Just curious as he seemed to have a good year from the stats I can see

he was invited too late

Don't you live in Lyon? What do they know about Markov's there :p:

Well said.

Well said.

I belive he watched Markov much more than you have this season...

I belive he watched Markov much more than you have this season...

It was a joke in the first place ;)

I prefer Danny, but that's a close call
Very close..i still like Danil.arggggh.Good player,produce more of them.I'm giving you the answers here.What an arrogant ***** i am!!!!!

why no tverdovsky?