New school Russia

With players like Kovalchuk, Malkin, Ovechkin Russia has a new generation of players who have incredible skill combined physicality and passion. I'm loving watching this team play and if Nabokov can steady the ship I can see them going all the way.

Anyone else loving watching this new wave of Russians?

Yeah, most entertaining team to watch for sure.

I'm definitely a fan of the passion these guys play with. I also love the combination of grit and speed and skill they have on the blueline. The way they defended out there was pretty inspiring stuff.

It's too bad we didn't see more of Canada's new wave.

if they played exactly the same way and lost 1-0 or 2-1, we would have the same talk as always : they have no heart/are selfish/never play as a team, etc. :sarcasm:

anyway, yes, the new generation is here, definetly.

They're defense is just unheralded. Volchenkov, Danny Markov, and Kasparitus play with no fear at all. They'll dive in front of every shot, just as long as they block it. Markov, Tyutin, and Gonchar are all good puck moving defensemen. Vishnevski and Zhukov are a little slow out there, but have looked OK.

The big thing is Bure chose people who wanted to be there, and it shows.

With players like Kovalchuk, Malkin, Ovechkin Russia has a new generation of players who have incredible skill combined physicality and passion. I'm loving watching this team play and if Nabokov can steady the ship I can see them going all the way.

Anyone else loving watching this new wave of Russians?

CCCP is my favorite still. However Krikunov seems to have succeeded in his job. More individualism + defence + physical play and still there is something left from the old soviet game.

Nice to know there probably will be 2-3 more Olympics for most of the young Russians.


Malkin, Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Volchenkov and a few other younger players should see a few more tournies.

Kovalev from gazeta.ru:

"I don't want to jinx it, but looks like our time has come"

Good for Bure, i've always liked him. He was also a genius to have found the most underrated defensemen in the league in Markov and give him a prominent role. Good for Russia, I'm a big fan of their culture.

Hate em as much as any other generation of Russians.

You beat a listless Canadian team that didnt care at any point in the entire tournament. Obviously it makes this crop of Russians the best team ever.

With players like Kovalchuk, Malkin, Ovechkin Russia has a new generation of players who have incredible skill combined physicality and passion. I'm loving watching this team play and if Nabokov can steady the ship I can see them going all the way.

Anyone else loving watching this new wave of Russians?

Don't forget about Zherdev and Frolov. ;)

Hate em as much as any other generation of Russians.

You beat a listless Canadian team that didnt care at any point in the entire tournament. Obviously it makes this crop of Russians the best team ever.
Go cry in a corner.

Good for Bure, i've always liked him. He was also a genius to have found the most underrated defensemen in the league in Markov and give him a prominent role. Good for Russia, I'm a big fan of their culture.

I'm just floored that at 36, Bure managed to be such a good GM.
He's 8 years younger than Chelios for Pete's sakes. And, of all things, the CBC announcers were talking about how defensivly responsible the Russian team was playing. I'm sorry, but that I don't think they could have learned from Bure.

Hate em as much as any other generation of Russians.

You beat a listless Canadian team that didnt care at any point in the entire tournament. Obviously it makes this crop of Russians the best team ever.
:thumbu:

Hate em as much as any other generation of Russians.

You beat a listless Canadian team that didnt care at any point in the entire tournament. Obviously it makes this crop of Russians the best team ever.
:nopity:




...just abiding by the HFBoards Gospel.

I'm just floored that at 36, Bure managed to be such a good GM.
He's 8 years younger than Chelios for Pete's sakes. And, of all things, the CBC announcers were talking about how defensivly responsible the Russian team was playing. I'm sorry, but that I don't think they could have learned from Bure.

Bure is 34. Maybe even 35! but not 36 yet!

But he didn't play an important role anyway. He was appointed really late.

Hate em as much as any other generation of Russians.

You beat a listless Canadian team that didnt care at any point in the entire tournament. Obviously it makes this crop of Russians the best team ever.

"Post of the day" :D

:biglaugh:

What's incredible is that they had Kovalchuk, Zherdev and Ovechkin/Malkin drafted in consecutive years.

If I'm the NHL / NHL fans, I fear the IIHF contract problems that might stop future Russian stars from being featured in the NHL. For the past couple years, Russia has been pounding out superstar goal scorer's for the past couple years. The IIHF/NHL contract could put a stop to it.

I generally don't really like Russians, just because of bad stories ect, but you gotta be impressed by the way they're producing NHL superstars.

Hate em as much as any other generation of Russians.

You beat a listless Canadian team that didnt care at any point in the entire tournament. Obviously it makes this crop of Russians the best team ever.

:cry:

I didn't realize they've never won Gold at the Olympics (according to Wiki). I think this is their year.

Hate em as much as any other generation of Russians.

You beat a listless Canadian team that didnt care at any point in the entire tournament. Obviously it makes this crop of Russians the best team ever.

:cry:

With players like Kovalchuk, Malkin, Ovechkin Russia has a new generation of players who have incredible skill combined physicality and passion. I'm loving watching this team play and if Nabokov can steady the ship I can see them going all the way.

Anyone else loving watching this new wave of Russians?

I've noticed the same types of things as well. Not only in this tournament, but more generally, the new generation of Russian players don't dive, slash, hook etc...essentially don't do the things that Russians used to get criticized for in the past. Now they're combining their incredible skill with a type of fearlesness and toughness that we didn't really see before.

I'm not comparing with USSR players of the 70's, but the 90's players compared to this new wave of players is really different. I look at a player like Yashin, who just got bumped off the puck and physically intimidated a few times this game. Contrast that with AO, Datsyuk, Kovalchuck etc...who were just rushing into the Canadian zone with a ton of speed and not caring about taking a hit along the way.

This new school of Russian player is really fun to watch. You have an incredible amount of speed and skill coupled with more toughness and a very visible passion for the game. Again a lot of fun to watch and great to see those young guys get real excited on the ice.

I've noticed the same types of things as well. Not only in this tournament, but more generally, the new generation of Russian players don't dive, slash, hook etc...essentially don't do the things that Russians used to get criticized for in the past. Now they're combining their incredible skill with a type of fearlesness and toughness that we didn't really see before.

I'm not comparing with USSR players of the 70's, but the 90's players compared to this new wave of players is really different. I look at a player like Yashin, who just got bumped off the puck and physically intimidated a few times this game. Contrast that with AO, Datsyuk, Kovalchuck etc...who were just rushing into the Canadian zone with a ton of speed and not caring about taking a hit along the way.

This new school of Russian player is really fun to watch. You have an incredible amount of speed and skill coupled with more toughness and a very visible passion for the game. Again a lot of fun to watch and great to see those young guys get real excited on the ice.
Why arent you comparing them to Kovalev? He's the master of old school skill while he takes a beating like no one else.

Good for Bure, i've always liked him. He was also a genius to have found the most underrated defensemen in the league in Markov and give him a prominent role. Good for Russia, I'm a big fan of their culture.
I think every Canadiens' fan will be happy to hear it, but I thought that Andrei Markov was our best all-around defenseman. Good decision-making with the puck, solid in his own end... I envy you. 7th round pick was he? :shakehead

I didn't realize they've never won Gold at the Olympics (according to Wiki). I think this is their year.

CCCP won 8 olympic gold medals.

Good for Bure, i've always liked him. He was also a genius to have found the most underrated defensemen in the league in Markov and give him a prominent role. Good for Russia, I'm a big fan of their culture.

No genius here. Markov power is no secret to Russians and has never been.

I'm just floored that at 36, Bure managed to be such a good GM.
He's 8 years younger than Chelios for Pete's sakes. And, of all things, the CBC announcers were talking about how defensivly responsible the Russian team was playing. I'm sorry, but that I don't think they could have learned from Bure.


Woa, woa, guys. You are missing the point. In Russia the GM role is a formality, mostly representative. The team is formed by the coaching staff: in this case, by Krik, Mikhajlov, Jurzinov and, God bless him, Nemchinov, who worked his ars off to esemble the NHLers.

CCCP won 8 olympic gold medals.
LOL that makes sense. I got pwned, lol. :biglaugh:

They are also the only team to medal in both Olympics with NHLers playing.

I only hope that there is no in-fighting in this group of Russians, so that the likes of Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Malkin, Zherdev, Frolov, will play in many future tournaments. Now about goaltending, I though Nabakov was from Khazakstan. Why is it he gets to play for Russia? Dual citizenship?

Woa, woa, guys. You are missing the point. In Russia the GM role is a formality, mostly representative. The team is formed by the coaching staff: in this case, by Krik, Mikhajlov, Jurzinov and, God bless him, Nemchinov, who worked his ars off to esemble the NHLers.
Ah yes, Nemchinov. The greatest Russian Ranger of all time (I'm wearing the Ranger Nemchinov jersey as we speak). Yeah, he's perfect for that role. Has always been a leader to the Russian Rangers, took 19-year old Kovalev under his wing and always had respect of the locker room and fans. Never complained, just played with heart on his sleeve. So, personnel/Human Resources position is perfect for him.

I think every Canadiens' fan will be happy to hear it, but I thought that Andrei Markov was our best all-around defenseman. Good decision-making with the puck, solid in his own end... I envy you. 7th round pick was he? :shakehead


And Detroit drafted Pavel Datsyuk in the 6th round.

Now about goaltending, I though Nabakov was from Khazakstan. Why is it he gets to play for Russia? Dual citizenship?
He is an ethnic Russian that was born and lived his early childhood in Kazakhstan (in Ust Kamenogorsk which is mostly populated by Russians) until about 10 I believe, and was subsequently raised in Moscow. It was all USSR back then anyways...

He is an ethnic Russian that was born and lived his early childhood in Kazakhstan (in Ust Kamenogorsk which is mostly populated by Russians) until about 10 I believe, and was subsequently raised in Moscow. It was all USSR back then anyways...
Exactly. I'm from Kazakhstan too, but I will root for the heir of the Soviet Union - Russia even in head-to-head with Kaz.

And oh yeah, isn't Torpedo Ust' Kamenogorsk in Russian Super League?

Also, Team Kazakhstan was Team RSL's the best of the rest.

I only hope that there is no in-fighting in this group of Russians, so that the likes of Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Malkin, Zherdev, Frolov, will play in many future tournaments.

They will all start feuding over Sharapova (well, the unmarried ones anyway). Female tennis players are the downfall of Russian hockey. :D

And Detroit drafted Pavel Datsyuk in the 6th round.
Unbelievable. Kronwall was a 7th rounder too, right?

As a Ranger fan, I'm happy to report that Petr Prucha was an 8th rounder and Lundqvist was a 7th rounder.

They will all start feuding over Sharapova (well, the unmarried ones anyway). Female tennis players are the downfall of Russian hockey. :D
:teach: hantuchova is better. she's slovak not russian, tho.

They will all start feuding over Sharapova (well, the unmarried ones anyway). Female tennis players are the downfall of Russian hockey. :D
Holy crap! And she's barely legal too! She is their age group!!! She's 18 or 19 and Malkin - 19, Red Bull - 20, Zherdev - 20, Volchenkov - 23, Tyutin - 22, Kovalchuk - 22... But these boys are probably too young for her. If anything, Russian girls like older guys that are like 7-10 senior. She'd probably go for the likes of Datsyuk (27 y.o.), Andrei Markov (27), Gonchar (29)... or she'd go for the GM Pavel Bure (36)

They will all start feuding over Sharapova (well, the unmarried ones anyway). Female tennis players are the downfall of Russian hockey. :D
:biglaugh:

:handclap:

Afinogenov is dating Elena Dementieva btw.

I only hope that there is no in-fighting in this group of Russians, so that the likes of Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Malkin, Zherdev, Frolov, will play in many future tournaments. Now about goaltending, I though Nabakov was from Khazakstan. Why is it he gets to play for Russia? Dual citizenship?

Kaspar isn't originally from Russia either, he's from Lithuania I believe, it happens.

If you watched the end of the game they look like very close group. When Kovelav got the 2nd one, The Ovey One was going crazy in the box. If you watch them going off the ice you will see Ovey and Kovy huging and punching each other (like brothers).

Kaspar isn't originally from Russia either, he's from Lithuania I believe, it happens.

Well, he is a Dynamo product, so he counts as Russian

Don't forget about Zherdev and Frolov. ;)

Zherdev is from Ukraine

Zherdev is from Ukraine

He plays for Russia

Yeah, Russia is my favorite team after Sweden for sure and has been since they started to play as a team (> 2002?).

Russia doesn't have a single gold medel as RUSSIA but they do as CCCP.

If you watched the end of the game they look like very close group. When Kovelav got the 2nd one, The Ovey One was going crazy in the box. If you watch them going off the ice you will see Ovey and Kovy huging and punching each other (like brothers).


Why was Ovey in the box again? I know Malkin got the match, but why would Ovey be sitting that out?Being that I don't think Malkin had an extra two minutes tacked on? Can't remember

Speaking of new school Russia, I wasn't born when the rivalry started(72) but I did follow the Russians coming into the NHL. At the time,I was a young Flames fan, and they got some of the first of them. I remember the media nagging Makarov until he smiled for them.Because, I guess there was this big thing about Russians being stoic, not outward displays of any emotion. Now the younger guys are probably some of the most emotional players I have ever witnessed. It's great. :handclap:

They are fun, and I love those Russian kids - but they will get beat by Finland in the semies. :p:

They are fun, and I love those Russian kids - but they will get beat by Finland in the semies. :p:

Thats what I said about them and Canada.

Thats what I said about them and Canada.

Team Canada isnt good measure here - finns beat that team too, with same numbers even. ;)

I love the personalities of the new Russians, I think they're great for the "new" NHL if they got more exposure. Too bad Ovechkin and Kovalchuk are in the SE division. :cry:

Thats what I said about them and Canada.
Yeah, but I am right. :D

i love the russians. i like the way they play, they have a distinct style that is more noticeable then other nations. and im starting to believe ovechkin is the second coming of jesus.

Is Zherdev still blacklisted from playing for the Russian Natl team? I figure leaving at midnight from Moscow to fly to Canada and then fly to Columbus couldnt have gone over well....

He has really picked up his play on both ends of the ice since Sergei was brought in town...he has really tightened down his D and not "floated" around the blue line waiting for the breakout

Don't forget about Zherdev

zherdev isnt russian :rolleyes:

russians. i like the way they play, they have a distinct style that is more noticeable then other nations..

amen.