Can/Rus Super Series (Devils Interests)

Just letting Devils fans know three of their drafted players will take place in the Canada versus Russia Super Series...

Kiril Tulupov, Alexander Vasyunov and Sergei Zachupenko all will play for team Russia...

Not to mention the good group of draft eligible players on both teams...

Who's Sergei Zachupenko?

Who's Sergei Zachupenko?

My thoughts exactly. I believe it's spelled Zachupejko (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=96410) but I don't see whatsoever how he's a Devils' interest.

Actually, I've seen it spelled Zachupejko, Zachupeiko, Zachupeyko, and Zachupenko. But still no idea how he's a Devil property.

could be a typo... but TSN has him listed "NJ 2006" draft pick...

Uh-oh. This has Mikhail Dantonov written all over it.


Has anyone ever seen Vladimir Zharkov and Sergei Zachupe?ko in a room together?

That's Zharkov, which is strange because on devils.nhl.com they said that Zharkov was playing, but I haven't seen that anywhere else.

For those that are concerned about the lack of Super Series coverage, I have decided to run an up-to-the-minute game blog for each of the eight Super Series games over on my website. I figure if you can't watch it, you might as well be able to get current game updates with somewhat of a picture of what's going on.

As well, I will update post-game with thoughts on who performed, who didn't and general thoughts from each game.

You can access the blog HERE! (http://www.futureconsiderations.ca/dnn/Blog/tabid/55/Default.aspx)

Hopefully this will be seen as a service to you all. If you'd like to post comments live in the blog as it goes or responses in general, you do need to register, which is kind of poor, but free and seperate from the magazine-side of the site.

For those that missed the schedule, it is:

http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/fe...=2464&hubname=

Mon, Aug. 27 9am TSN & Broadband Midnight ET/TSN
Wed, Aug. 29 9am Rogers Sportsnet & Broadband 7:30pm local/Rogers Sportsnet
Fri, Aug. 31 8am Rogers Sportsnet & Broadband 7:30pm local/Rogers Sportsnet
Sat, Sept. 1 6am TSN & Broadband 7pm ET/TSN
Tues, Sept. 4 8pm TSN & Broadband Midnight ET/TSN
Wed, Sept. 5 8pm TSN & Broadband Midnight ET/TSN
Fri, Sept. 7 10pm Rogers Sportsnet & Broadband 11:30pm MT on RSW and Midnight local on RSP
Sun, Sept. 9 8pm Rogers Sportsnet & Broadband 1am ET on RSE/RSO, 11pm MT on RSW, 11pm PT on RSP

Not Zharkov...was draft eligble in 07 and was passed by. Zharkov did not make the team.

For those that are concerned about the lack of Super Series coverage, I have decided to run an up-to-the-minute game blog for each of the eight Super Series games over on my website. I figure if you can't watch it, you might as well be able to get current game updates with somewhat of a picture of what's going on.

As well, I will update post-game with thoughts on who performed, who didn't and general thoughts from each game.

You can access the blog HERE! (http://www.futureconsiderations.ca/dnn/Blog/tabid/55/Default.aspx)

Hopefully this will be seen as a service to you all. If you'd like to post comments live in the blog as it goes or responses in general, you do need to register, which is kind of poor, but free and seperate from the magazine-side of the site.

For those that missed the schedule, it is:

http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/fe...=2464&hubname=

Mon, Aug. 27 9am TSN & Broadband Midnight ET/TSN
Wed, Aug. 29 9am Rogers Sportsnet & Broadband 7:30pm local/Rogers Sportsnet
Fri, Aug. 31 8am Rogers Sportsnet & Broadband 7:30pm local/Rogers Sportsnet
Sat, Sept. 1 6am TSN & Broadband 7pm ET/TSN
Tues, Sept. 4 8pm TSN & Broadband Midnight ET/TSN
Wed, Sept. 5 8pm TSN & Broadband Midnight ET/TSN
Fri, Sept. 7 10pm Rogers Sportsnet & Broadband 11:30pm MT on RSW and Midnight local on RSP
Sun, Sept. 9 8pm Rogers Sportsnet & Broadband 1am ET on RSE/RSO, 11pm MT on RSW, 11pm PT on RSP


It would be sweet if Center Ice picked this up for Americans wanting to watch!!!!!

^^^ They probably would if it was during the season, but there is no Center Ice now so they won't.

Not Zharkov...was draft eligble in 07 and was passed by. Zharkov did not make the team.
I just meant that TSN may have confused this guy with Zharkov, as they do list him as a NJ draft pick in '06. It's frustrating because all the coverage on the Super Series is only about the Canadian team. That's why it wouldn't surprise me if they just saw a Russian with a 'Z' last name and assumed it was another Russian with a 'Z' last name.

It would be sweet if Center Ice picked this up for Americans wanting to watch!!!!!

Yep, and I dont know why they haven't, but if they were to I would think it would've happened already.

Yep, and I dont know why they haven't, but if they were to I would think it would've happened already.
Because Center Ice doesn't start until the season does. On many cable systems it shares channels with MLB's Extra Innings. You usually can't purchase Center Ice until the middle of September anyway.

Tulupov was taken off the Russian Roster for the Super Series as per Nemchinov. http://www.rushockey.com/events.php?...erviews&id=608


This is unfortunate.

P.S. it looks like Russia will make the same mistake they always do and throw out a team full of flashy players and hope to win 9-8 while not playing a single physical defensive minded player.

Don't forget to root for Canada's brilliant coach!

Don't forget to root for Canada's brilliant coach!
http://tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/news_story/?ID=216793&hubname=canadian_hockey

I like him already.

Don't forget to root for Canada's brilliant coach!

Looooooove that gauntlet drill. Can't wait for Sutter to get here already and start coaching the Devils.:yo:

http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/news_story/?ID=216793&hubname=canadian_hockey

Coach Sutter had his boys run the Gauntlet at practice to get their juices flowing after suffering severe jet lag.

If you watch the associated video, you see Sutter, his son, and other talking about preparation for the Super Series.

http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/news_story/?ID=216793&hubname=canadian_hockey

Coach Sutter had his boys run the Gauntlet at practice to get their juices flowing after suffering severe jet lag.

If you watch the associated video, you see Sutter, his son, and other talking about preparation for the Super Series.

yea i heard a quote from hime today on XM, someone asked him if the kids think they are being to hard on them and he said something like, i dont care if they think im too hard on them, thats what im here to do............

i like that attitude


from the article
Sutter has yet to name his captains or a starting goaltender for Monday's game.

i heard on xm today that he did name his captains. his son was one of the assistants, i cant remember the rest

Tulupov was taken off the Russian Roster for the Super Series as per Nemchinov. http://www.rushockey.com/events.php?...erviews&id=608


This is unfortunate.

P.S. it looks like Russia will make the same mistake they always do and throw out a team full of flashy players and hope to win 9-8 while not playing a single physical defensive minded player.

"Why was Kirill Tulupov deducted from the roster?
S. Nemchinov: He came to a camp in bad physical shape. In North America, where Tulupov plays in Quebec juniors league, they do not go on the ice so early. So, Kirill didn’t get his best conditions on-time. "

Certainly seems like they had a real reason. Not just because he's not flashy or anything.

"Why was Kirill Tulupov deducted from the roster?
S. Nemchinov: He came to a camp in bad physical shape. In North America, where Tulupov plays in Quebec juniors league, they do not go on the ice so early. So, Kirill didn’t get his best conditions on-time. "

Certainly seems like they had a real reason. Not just because he's not flashy or anything.
Jon, look at the interview that Kirill gave right before he was kicked off the team. He took shots at the way Russians produce players and made it sound like Canada was the only real place to learn how to play hockey. Then he said that the current Super Series team had no identity, nothing to hold it together.

I don't think it's any coincidence that Nemchinov chose to blame the NA system for why Tulupov didn't make the team.

I'll tell you one thing, russia could really use a mamoth defensemen lke himself

I'll tell you one thing, russia could really use a mamoth defensemen lke himself
Yeah, their defensemen were not handling the Canadian forecheck very well, and I think he has a pretty good shot from the blueline which might have been able to help on the PP.

"Why was Kirill Tulupov deducted from the roster?
S. Nemchinov: He came to a camp in bad physical shape. In North America, where Tulupov plays in Quebec juniors league, they do not go on the ice so early. So, Kirill didn’t get his best conditions on-time. "

Certainly seems like they had a real reason. Not just because he's not flashy or anything.

Before leaving Chicoutimi for Moscow camp Tulupov underwent a physical test.His numbers are as follows:
230pd with 6,5% of fat
3 miles run -18min10 sec.
press bench 150pd- 50 repetitions
sit-ups 270pd bar -50 repetitions
push-ups - somewhat unbelievable(don't remember exactly)
Do you call it a bad physical shape?:biglaugh:

Did anyone watch the game who can tell me how Vasyunov played? I know he got the assist on Russia's second goal.

He played well. His skating seemed to improve...it seems more compact and stronger. He still has an amazing shot that can beat goaltenders from as far out as the top of the circle. While everyone else thinks his linemates played well.Looks a little like Radulov at that age.

For those that were interested, here is the link to the game story, and you can check out the blog that has the significant play-by-play.

http://www.futureconsiderations.ca/d...1/Default.aspx

His assist was a gimme, he passed it to his linemate at his own blueline, then he carried it over the blueline and let a 50' wristshot go that Mason completely whiffed on. It was an awful goal.

Aside from that, I was impressed with his skating although he needs to be better at picking up loose pucks in the slot. There were a few plays that were scrambles and he was in a good position to pick up the puck and fire it but he either mishandled it or couldn't get to it.

There was one play that he had a great chance right off a faceoff, he was on the LW while the faceoff was in the right circle, since he plays his offwing he was set perfectly for a one-timer and the puck went right through his legs as he was trying to fire it. It's a tough play but if he connected it would have likely been a goal or at least a tough save.

I was pretty unimpressed by Vasyunov. I only saw the last 1 ½ periods so perhaps he was better early on, but he needs a lot of work. He had good speed and his skating was good, but he seemed lost out there at times. Drifting a little and skating into his teammates. Overall Vasyunov’s puck handling skills were not as good as I expected. He had a difficult time controlling the puck and did not have many crisp passes. On the plus side, he didn’t seem to get pushed around too much.

One thing to keep in mind when watching these games in Ufa though is that the arena is brand new...and by brand new I mean they opened their doors right before the drop of the puck. Also they said it was 100 degrees the day of the game so the ice was unbelievably terrible. I'm looking forward to seeing them play in Canada.

I love the system Sutter is using. Let's just hope he's allowed in implement it in New Jersey. I read a Julien quote as saying the reason for no forecheck was the man upstairs and in Boston he will play more aggressive. Then again, it was written by Mike Brophy a Devil and Lou hater.

Canada just won 3-0

Good game for Canada. The series is getting nasty already and going to get worse. Great hockey. The Tsn analyst's couldn't stop raving about the coaching. "the New Jersey Devils better be prepared to play sound fundamental hockey" says Pierre Maguire.

I read a Julien quote as saying the reason for no forecheck was the man upstairs and in Boston he will play more aggressive.
So Lou stopped him from having a forecheck in Montreal too?

So Lou stopped him from having a forecheck in Montreal too?

yeah seriously, nice try there Claude...

Good game for Canada. The series is getting nasty already and going to get worse. Great hockey. The Tsn analyst's couldn't stop raving about the coaching. "the New Jersey Devils better be prepared to play sound fundamental hockey" says Pierre Maguire.

Man I am so excited to see this team under him. :D

So Lou stopped him from having a forecheck in Montreal too?

That's what Brophy wrote in the last issue of The Hockey News, the one before the Year book came out. And it was supposed to be a direct quote from Julien. So, who knows, maybe it was Julien just trying to cover is arse.

Before leaving Chicoutimi for Moscow camp Tulupov underwent a physical test.His numbers are as follows:
230pd with 6,5% of fat
3 miles run -18min10 sec.
press bench 150pd- 50 repetitions
sit-ups 270pd bar -50 repetitions
push-ups - somewhat unbelievable(don't remember exactly)
Do you call it a bad physical shape?:biglaugh:

WOW!!! That's actually quite impressive for a guy his size!!! Those are better than 1/2 the player stats found in pro football (NFL) :handclap:

Russia really shot themselves in the foot by not playing this guy!!! :shakehead

Can't wait to see him on the Devils. NJ that is...not Lowell, not Trenton. :hit:

Tupulov is back on the Russian team as a substitute because of Russia's injurys
The substitutes are Victor Tikhonov, the grandson of the famous Soviet coach of the same name, and two players who were in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season: Kirill Tupulov of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens...
TSN Link (http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/news_story/?ID=217351&hubname=canadian_hockey)

wonder if nemchinov is missing a little physical play that maybe tulupov would've provided?? canada is pounding them, something i hope sutter brings it to this team.

russians aretrying to get brendon sutter suspended for taking a run @ cherapanov. he was called for charging on the play.

Wow Canada cleaned house. My guess is Vasyunov had no impact whatsoever?

Wow Canada cleaned house. My guess is Vasyunov had no impact whatsoever?
Vasyunov looks lost, not very effective at getting open for a sniper. He has good skills just no positioning in the offensive zone.

If anyone is interested, tonight's game is on channelsurfing.net and is coming in at great quality.

If anyone is interested, tonight's game is on channelsurfing.net and is coming in at great quality.

That Russian goalie is standing on his head in the 1st period.. Canada is all over them.

TSN is highlighting Tulupov for his physical play in the 1st intermission of game $5, also Conte is in the house.

Vasyunov scores!!! :handclap:

2-1 Canada now

is this being streamed anywhere??

Check http://www.hockeywebcasts.com/ for streams of the games.

Additionally, if there is a stream to be found anywhere on the net that isn't listed at HWC, check out the forums at http://myp2p.eu

Check http://www.hockeywebcasts.com/ for streams of the games.

Additionally, if there is a stream to be found anywhere on the net that isn't listed at HWC, check out the forums at http://myp2p.eu

awesome thank you very much

i hope sutter allows the devils players to put their names on the back of their jerseys:sarcasm:

Vasyunov looked really impressive so far this game. Russian coaches piss me off though....he earned extra ice time every time he is on the ice yet they continue to roll the lines.

Tulupov has been rather mediocre, he's gotten caught out of position a few times. I like what I've seen from Vasyunov, but he needs to stop trying to do it all.

the guy calling the game said "vasyunov has been russia's best player tonight", and pierre a little while ago was saying how Sutter should be hands down Canada's coach for the 2010 Olympics. Then they both were marveling over Sutter about to be 17-0 (I believe??) in international competition.

Not sure if this has been posted yet. Only russian to score in the canadian 8-1 rout of the ruskies. He was the russian player of the game (for what thats worth.) nice to have one of our propects represent!

That's what Brophy wrote in the last issue of The Hockey News, the one before the Year book came out. And it was supposed to be a direct quote from Julien. So, who knows, maybe it was Julien just trying to cover is arse.

I don't get it..all Devil fans always so proudly state how EVERYTHING goes through Lou and how he micro-manages everything but now when the coach flat out says the style of play was dictated from LL suddenly it has to be a lie?

Can anybody here with a straight face say that Lou wasn't fully on board with the style last year and that it wasn't a situation of a coach overuling Lou Lams of all people by playing a style that Lou was against?

I don't get it..all Devil fans always so proudly state how EVERYTHING goes through Lou and how he micro-manages everything but now when the coach flat out says the style of play was dictated from LL suddenly it has to be a lie?

Can anybody here with a straight face say that Lou wasn't fully on board with the style last year and that it wasn't a situation of a coach overuling Lou Lams of all people by playing a style that Lou was against?
Every coach has their own style, their own take on things. I'm sure Lou put up a framework that Julien had to work within, but do I think that Lou micromanaged to the point where he dictated a forechecking scheme? No.

Maybe Julien was intimidated to the point that he was scared to use any imagination. If Lou set up guidelines, Julien failed to push the limit to do what he thought was best. Also, the problems he had here were the same as the problems he had in Montreal.

Julien is just not a strong character. Of course you don't want your coach and management to be at each others' throats constantly, but you also don't want one side folding to the other against his instincts which is what we had with Julien apparently. If that was the case, there was no point in keeping Julien on if all he did was act as a proxy for Lou. Also, if that was the case it's perfectly understandable that the players didn't respect him.

We've had plenty of different styles over the years that matched each coach's personality and I refuse to believe that Lou restricted Julien any more than he has Burns, Robinson, Ftorek, or Lemaire.

Vasyunov has many similarities to Suglobov but he also does many things much better. From what I have seen he never takes penalties..the only penalty he took this series was one in which the ref got the wrong guy. Also he has been used in the past in a PK role which he did very well at the under 18...he isn't as bad defensivly as many seem to think. I think he does an excellent job in the defensive zone keeping to his men.

I can see how many feel he doesn't give 100% every shift but that will come when he is in North America playing a different game. He shows excellent hussel when after the puck and like many russians not so much hussel when the puck is away from him.

Vasyunov has amazing velocity on that shot of his, it is better right now then 95% of the NHL'ers and he has the goal scoring mentality that Kovalchuk and Ovechkin have, he shoots quite often against the grain which will score a lot of easy goals even in the NHL.

Skating wise he is above average and while his puck control was average untill his first goal, after that he gained alot more confidence and made some really nifty moves to beat defensmen to the outside. I didn't see him try to beat defenders to the inside too much which is a good thing.

Vasyunov does tend to hold onto the puck a little too long but ewvery russian seemed to do that, they have horrible coaching for this series. A good coach will fix that, Radulov Kovalchuk and Ovehckin didn't like passing all that much either.

All in all, I really think NJ is going to sign this kid in the next tranfer window. He has all the tools to be a dangerous 1st or 2nd line scorer and has a better allround game then Suglobov.

EDIT: Vasyunov will also have Paul Gardiner as his head coach, a Canadian, who should ingrain some strong characteristics in him.

Every coach has their own style, their own take on things. I'm sure Lou put up a framework that Julien had to work within, but do I think that Lou micromanaged to the point where he dictated a forechecking scheme? No.

Maybe Julien was intimidated to the point that he was scared to use any imagination. If Lou set up guidelines, Julien failed to push the limit to do what he thought was best. Also, the problems he had here were the same as the problems he had in Montreal.

Julien is just not a strong character. Of course you don't want your coach and management to be at each others' throats constantly, but you also don't want one side folding to the other against his instincts which is what we had with Julien apparently. If that was the case, there was no point in keeping Julien on if all he did was act as a proxy for Lou. Also, if that was the case it's perfectly understandable that the players didn't respect him.

We've had plenty of different styles over the years that matched each coach's personality and I refuse to believe that Lou restricted Julien any more than he has Burns, Robinson, Ftorek, or Lemaire.

You also had a much less offensive team last yr personel wise then you had in the late 90-early 2000's which also would be a factor in what style a team would try and deploy.

I just don't for one second believe that Lou wanted to play a more aggressive forechhecking game but conceded to his coach to make the call on what style the team would play.

I don't believe that to be the case for a second, simply wouldn't be the case with the way Lou runs the Devils.

You also had a much less offensive team last yr personel wise then you had in the late 90-early 2000's which also would be a factor in what style a team would try and deploy.

I just don't for one second believe that Lou wanted to play a more aggressive forechhecking game but conceded to his coach to make the call on what style the team would play.

I don't believe that to be the case for a second, simply wouldn't be the case with the way Lou runs the Devils.

If Juliens was following everything Lou said, you think Lou would have fired him? He didn't believe Juliens would carry the team through the playoffs. If he was doing what Lou said, don't you think the players would have listened to him, knowing it came from Lou?

If Juliens was following everything Lou said, you think Lou would have fired him? He didn't believe Juliens would carry the team through the playoffs. If he was doing what Lou said, don't you think the players would have listened to him, knowing it came from Lou?

yes, it's called a shakeup.

Do you honestly believe that for 79 game Julien was allowed to deploy a style of play that Lou wasn't on board with?

yes, it's called a shakeup.

Do you honestly believe that for 79 game Julien was allowed to deploy a style of play that Lou wasn't on board with?

Jr., I'll go with Lou over Julien in this matter because all you have to do is look at the source. If you follow Brophy through THN, he's more
anti-Devil than you. For instance, he wrote an article last season about how everyone should pray that the Devils don't win the cup. (That's why I enjoyed watching his Sens get their butts kicked by the Ducks so much.) Plus all his other wonderful articles on the Devils gives me no reason to believe he can be impartial when it comes to them. Plus, under Lou, the Devils lead the league in scoring twice before I believe.

yes, it's called a shakeup.

Do you honestly believe that for 79 game Julien was allowed to deploy a style of play that Lou wasn't on board with?

I think we know more about our team then a ranger fan.

yes, it's called a shakeup.

Do you honestly believe that for 79 game Julien was allowed to deploy a style of play that Lou wasn't on board with?


Lou likes defensive, not restricted.

I think we know more about our team then a ranger fan.


A buch of Ranger fans just fed that line a few days ago when talking about their cap situation.

Jr., I'll go with Lou over Julien in this matter because all you have to do is look at the source. If you follow Brophy through THN, he's more
anti-Devil than you. For instance, he wrote an article about he prays the Devils won't win the cup. As soon as I read that a journalist writes something like that and all the wonderful articles on the Devils gives me no reason to believe he can be impartial when it comes to the Devils. Plus, under Lou, the Devils lead the league in scoring twice I believe.

Is it possible for anybody to be more anti-Devil than me?;)

I always like that Brophy guy!:D

Seriously though, let's start out with the fact that the Devils have always been passive as opposed to aggressive in their approach and even the yr when the Devils lead the east in scoring it was all done via the counterattack where you gusy would clog-clog clog and then when the team pushed to much or became impatient you caught them for addman rushes against and just repeated the process as the opponent kept trying to press harder and harder after getting behind.

Last year the Devils were ultra-passive but it's not like they were ever an aggressive forechecking team under Lou and changed just last year under Julien.


And the main point is that you guys as Devil fans take pride in the ironfisted fashion in which Lou runs ALL things Devils but know that the coach outright said the style of play was dictated by the guy who calls all shots Devils suddenly Julien is lieing and Lou was taking a hands-off approach when it came to the style his team played last year.

I can see how many feel he doesn't give 100% every shift but that will come when he is in North America playing a different game. He shows excellent hussel when after the puck and like many russians not so much hussel when the puck is away from him.
That was one thing I really liked about him in the game last night. He really seemed to be working hard to pursue the puck, going into the corners and trying to make something happen. He also went to the front of the net quite a bit, especially on the PP.

You also had a much less offensive team last yr personel wise then you had in the late 90-early 2000's which also would be a factor in what style a team would try and deploy.

I just don't for one second believe that Lou wanted to play a more aggressive forechhecking game but conceded to his coach to make the call on what style the team would play.

I don't believe that to be the case for a second, simply wouldn't be the case with the way Lou runs the Devils.

yes, but with the "new nhl" i think it makes teams be a little more offensive no matter their personnel.

A buch of Ranger fans just fed that line a few days ago when talking about their cap situation.

:biglaugh: yea thats right i thought it sounded familiar.

Is it possible for anybody to be more anti-Devil than me?;)

I always like that Brophy guy!:D

Seriously though, let's start out with the fact that the Devils have always been passive as opposed to aggressive in their approach and even the yr when the Devils lead the east in scoring it was all done via the counterattack where you gusy would clog-clog clog and then when the team pushed to much or became impatient you caught them for addman rushes against and just repeated the process as the opponent kept trying to press harder and harder after getting behind.

Last year the Devils were ultra-passive but it's not like they were ever an aggressive forechecking team under Lou and changed just last year under Julien.
And the main point is that you guys as Devil fans take pride in the ironfisted fashion in which Lou runs ALL things Devils but know that the coach outright said the style of play was dictated by the guy who calls all shots Devils suddenly Julien is lieing and Lou was taking a hands-off approach when it came to the style his team played last year.

Dear Jr., But you even noticed a difference in the Devils last season. From passive to ultra passive. We'll the "Ultra" part was Julien. What was Lou going to do? The team was winning, but once he lost the players and by all accounts Gomez was one of the primary players who hated playing for the guy, Lou cut him lose for better or worse. And until you get your own colum, it's Brophy 1, Stratchen 2, and you 3rd. ;)

I think we know more about our team then a ranger fan.


well being that you are so familiar with how the Devils operate is it or is it not true that ALL things NJD go through Lou Lams?

It is like the most commonly accepted thing in the NHL that Lou runs anything and everything when it comes to the Devils and you guys take pride in that but now that the former coach said it was Lou that dictated the style of play last year he's a liar and he was operating as a rogue coach who was defying Lou's wishes?

Simply doesn't come close to adding up.

I was fairly impressed with Vasyunov's skills last night. He has quite a bit of moves and good acceleration. I don't think he has a great top gear, but he's shifty enough (in a Wellwood sense) to not need it if he can learn to pick his spots better and who to try and deke through/around better.

If his hockey sense can catch up to his skills, he could round out into a really nice 2nd line winger. He looked much, much less raw this time seeing him than when I've seen him in the past. He's a real project, but one to take a chance on.

A buch of Ranger fans just fed that line a few days ago when talking about their cap situation.

not from me, I enjoy when others visit the NYR boards so you guys are always welcome to chime in.

You also had a much less offensive team last yr personel wise then you had in the late 90-early 2000's which also would be a factor in what style a team would try and deploy.
Huh? Bobby Holik was our #1 center in the late 90's and while the A-Line was dynamic and had chemistry up the wazoo, it wasn't much better on paper than Elias, Gomez, and Gionta.

I just don't for one second believe that Lou wanted to play a more aggressive forechhecking game but conceded to his coach to make the call on what style the team would play.
Guess what, I said as much in my last post. Did you read it, or gloss over it? Julien never even attempted an aggressive forecheck so I find it hard to believe that Lou shut him down on it.

I don't believe that to be the case for a second, simply wouldn't be the case with the way Lou runs the Devils.
Once again, Julien DID NOT have the personality to work with Lou. If he was a little more hard headed it would have served him well, but he was soft soft soft soft, soft when it came to decision making, evidenced by his whiny comment which was most likely in response to the question of "Julien, you say you want a strong forecheck but you obviously had no idea what the word meant by your coaching in NJ."

We had a much stronger forecheck when Lou coached in 05-06, I think you of all people should remember as it exploited your defense on occasion.

Since the Lemaire years, we've always been a counter attack team with decent forecheck (McKay was great at forechecking). But last year, injuries to Elias/Gionta aside, we had the team to generate a bit more offensively, especially with the new rules. There were times, a lot of times at that, that opposing d-men had tons of time to get out of the zone or make nice B/O passes. That's on-ice adjustments that Julien never fixed. Lou may have placed the players and the system, but we were plagued by the same inconsistencies all season and Julien never adjusted. That was CJ fault.

BTW, great move by Vasyunov to draw a penalty. But a bad penalty by Tulupov. Vasyunov has good shake in his legs, love to see Sutter work with this kid.

Another penalty, high sticking, on Tulupov. After the comments, getting cut and the subsequent recall, having a so-so to bad series i snot the way to go. Can anyone tell me how many too many men penalties Russia has had? Wow, I've counted 5 the last 2 games.

I hope Sutter can coach the Devils as well as these kids. I don't expect us to be 6-0 after out first 6 games or anything like that, but I like the style they use and how they respect him the way they seem to.

Vasyunov impressed me again tonight. Along with Anisimov, Mayorov, and Voinov -- all played a great game.

Vasyunov still tries to do it all himself, but boy can he be shifty out there. Hopefully your management works with him a lot on his game as he needs to stop trying to stickhandle through everyone.

I keep seeing that whenever he's paired with Anisimov, they shine. It happened 3 times in the game and each time they played great with each other. Vasyunov's main line is with 2 other puck posession guys. Not with a very good passer and net crasher like Anisimov.

Nemchinov is wasting his talents. Such a shame!

Well I'm happy to hear that Vasyunov has been one of the few bright spots in what has been an abysmal series for the Russians.

I don't get it..all Devil fans always so proudly state how EVERYTHING goes through Lou and how he micro-manages everything but now when the coach flat out says the style of play was dictated from LL suddenly it has to be a lie?

Can anybody here with a straight face say that Lou wasn't fully on board with the style last year and that it wasn't a situation of a coach overuling Lou Lams of all people by playing a style that Lou was against?

If the GM fired the coach with the team winning and in a division lead I think it's fairly obvious he had a few problems with the style being played (because generally results like that will insulate any coach from blame). It's obvious Lou was unhappy with Julien's performance.

Lou appears to be the type of boss who wants a very strong and characterful coach. He wants to share the coach's philosophy but seems happy to bump heads. Pat Burns, Herb Brooks, Jacque Lemaire, Brent Sutter are Lamoriello choices.

It appears obvious now that he wanted Sutter for this team from the moment Burns was unable to return and make Robinson's 2005 tenure short. Julien was a stop gap; but if he had shown the character required to work for the GM (which I feel would have been to show strength and be his own man) he had a chance to make the job his own.

My feeling is that Julien (like JR and, to be fair, a decent proportion of this board's posters) misunderstood Lou's character and requirements from his employees. He was intimidated and overly reverential of his boss's achievements and thoughts. It may well be that he felt that he could not institute a strong forecheck but if he had been a good enough coach and felt it was required he would have instituted one. A strong forecheck is not his style. If one is seen in Boston it will probably again be because that's what he feels Chiarelli requires from him, not necessarily because he believes it to be the best way forward for the team.

Well I'm happy to hear that Vasyunov has been one of the few bright spots in what has been an abysmal series for the Russians.

He's a stubborn player. In a good way, though, for the most part. He seems to never want to give up the play even if it's beyond dead. While that has it's bad points (as I said -- trying to do everything, holding onto the puck, etc.) it shows you that he has the drive that's needed.

Once your coaching staff works with him, I think he turns into a fine 2nd line player and who knows? Maybe even more.

Vasyunov is having a great game tonight. Earlier in the game Mason made a great save on him, not too long ago he got flat out robbed by Bernier (amazing stick save, I thought he was out of it), and he just scored to give the Russians a 4-3 lead. Came streaking up the right wing and wristed it past Bernier.

He's really been skating hard, making things happen and creating scoring chances. I've noticed he and his linemates creating good chances on most shifts.

Vasyunov is playing a great game. The goal was pretty good, flying down the wing and getting low writer go. but the guy is all over the ice in the offensive zone. up to the 3rd period he has been the best russian player

Vasyunov really played excellent tonight. I hope NJ signs him right away and lets him play his final season in Russia.

Vasuynov has been awesome, lets get him signed and over on this side of the ocean.

Any chance to find any video clips of his performance?

Any chance to find any video clips of his performance?

I think the Euro prospects site may have something.

def. encouraged by Vasyunov's play. The kid's got a future. Still a little raw but you can tell the tools are there. He's still very young, so with time I think he can be a pretty special offensive player.

Vasyunov panning out, would help solve alot of our scoring depth.

I'm planning on making a highlight reel of Vasyunov from this super series.

Going to record all the games, and then try and capture his every move for the people who have not seem him before, or for those who want to watch him again.

Sort of like what i did with Tony Romano. BTW I'm sorry i didn't get all of Tony's games recorded, there was a problem recording his last 8-10 games, and i was not able to get his highlights.

here was one of his games i did, you can find other games on the right hand side
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ALuEMPrOzeM

Any chance to find any video clips of his performance?

TSN's website has all the games from the super series up on their site.

I'm planning on making a highlight reel of Vasyunov from this super series.

Going to record all the games, and then try and capture his every move for the people who have not seem him before, or for those who want to watch him again.

Sort of like what i did with Tony Romano. BTW I'm sorry i didn't get all of Tony's games recorded, there was a problem recording his last 8-10 games, and i was not able to get his highlights.

here was one of his games i did, you can find other games on the right hand side
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ALuEMPrOzeM

You, sir, are the man. Much appreciated.

Well, if Romano plays like that for us one day, he won't have to play defense. :sarcasm:

Romano will not play for us, once he wows the OHL trade him for a 3rd rounder.

Romano will not play for us, once he wows the OHL trade him for a 3rd rounder.

He still has time to learn defense, does he not?

He still has time to learn defense, does he not?

Yea but it doesn't seem like he is interested. By the time he learns that he is going to have to learn it might be too late.

Romano will not play for us, once he wows the OHL trade him for a 3rd rounder.

I can't see Lou doing that, in fact I can't recall when he's done that.

I can't see Lou doing that, in fact I can't recall when he's done that.
Maybe not a one for one type deal, but I can see Lou using Romano as a throw in to bolster a proposal. He's done that plenty of times. Best case scenario for NJ is that Kane makes the Hawks, Romano plays with Gagner, puts up TONS of points and turns heads. Then we trade him.

I agree with Jason, I can't see him playing for us.

He still has time to learn defense, does he not?
Yea 3 years at cornell would have been a good start....especially since the kid was already drafted he didn't really have to wow us anymore. Selfish player who wants to score goals rather then improve.

Maybe not a one for one type deal, but I can see Lou using Romano as a throw in to bolster a proposal. He's done that plenty of times. Best case scenario for NJ is that Kane makes the Hawks, Romano plays with Gagner, puts up TONS of points and turns heads. Then we trade him.

I agree with Jason, I can't see him playing for us.


That is what I was talking about. And I think it's way too early to know if we won't give this kid or we are for sure going to trade him.

Yea 3 years at cornell would have been a good start....especially since the kid was already drafted he didn't really have to wow us anymore. Selfish player who wants to score goals rather then improve.

Ridiculous statement. and no idea what your talking about. Ill just leave it at that.

Ridiculous statement. and no idea what your talking about. Ill just leave it at that.
Its not a ridiculous statement at all. It is obvious he would have been better off learning defense there rather than go somewhere were he can focus on his offense more. Just like Jason said, he is already drafted, now he doesn't have to put up offensive numbers anymore to impress an NHL team, he really should focus on his defense.

Ridiculous statement. and no idea what your talking about. Ill just leave it at that.

It's a bit ridiculous how quickly some people write off these 18-19 year old kids.

Its not a ridiculous statement at all. It is obvious he would have been better off learning defense there rather than go somewhere were he can focus on his offense more. Just like Jason said, he is already drafted, now he doesn't have to put up offensive numbers anymore to impress an NHL team, he really should focus on his defense.

Considering the lack of offensive forwards in the pipeline, a player looking to improve his offensive game isn't necessarily a bad thing.

He'll learn defense; I don't think London is going to let him play without learning some.

Considering the lack of offensive forwards in the pipeline, a player looking to improve his offensive game isn't necessarily a bad thing.

He'll learn defense; I don't think London is going to let him play without learning some.
I never said a player who has an offensive game is a bad thing. What it comes down to is how much defense he learns, and how much he is willing to play two-ways. He has already said he left Cornell because he didn't like their defensive system, which makes me think he won't like the Devils.

In response to the people who think he is being written off: No one is writing him off except from playing in NJ. If anything we are hoping he fulfills part of his potential so he can be a valuable trade chip. He has a chance to be a good NHL player one day, it may just not be in NJ.

It's a bit ridiculous how quickly some people write off these 18-19 year old kids.
Drafting goes far beyond talent..it usually ends with an attitude check and nothing this kid has done so far has shown me he has the right attitude to be a Devil. I can't see him ever making the Devils. They took a flyer on this kid in the late rounds seeing that he was going to Cornell which would teach him defense and responsibility with older players and here he goes running to the OHL's most offensive team with younger players.

Once again maybe if a player was looking to get drafted it may make a little more sense but he was already drafted. It looks like things got rough in Cornell, he didn't get the icetime he thought he deserved (probably based on his two way game and stupid dangling in the neutral zone/defensive zone) and went to league he is going to play in no matter how responsible. I can't even see thr Hunters allowing that sort of play. Those videos I seen did nothing but hurt Romano's reputation. MOVE THE PUCK.

Drafting goes far beyond talent..it usually ends with an attitude check and nothing this kid has done so far has shown me he has the right attitude to be a Devil. I can't see him ever making the Devils. They took a flyer on this kid in the late rounds seeing that he was going to Cornell which would teach him defense and responsibility with older players and here he goes running to the OHL's most offensive team with younger players.

Once again maybe if a player was looking to get drafted it may make a little more sense but he was already drafted. It looks like things got rough in Cornell, he didn't get the icetime he thought he deserved (probably based on his two way game and stupid dangling in the neutral zone/defensive zone) and went to league he is going to play in no matter how responsible. I can't even see thr Hunters allowing that sort of play. Those videos I seen did nothing but hurt Romano's reputation. MOVE THE PUCK.

I agree with mostly everything you're saying, and I can see where you're coming from after watching his film, bit I'd rather just wait and see before I decide whether or not he'll make it to the NHL.

I agree with mostly everything you're saying, and I can see where you're coming from after watching his film, bit I'd rather just wait and see before I decide whether or not he'll make it to the NHL.

Yup..

Between..Your avatar rocks.


ITS MCLOVIN! :D

Vasyunov has looked good so far in the first period. He's played on the PK the last few games (not what one normally expects from a Russian sniper). And on the last Russian PP when two Canadian forwards broke in shorthanded he was the first Russian forward hustling back.

Vasyunov has looked good so far in the first period. He's played on the PK the last few games (not what one normally expects from a Russian sniper). And on the last Russian PP when two Canadian forwards broke in shorthanded he was the first Russian forward hustling back.
He's played on the PK for the whole series, then again I don't know if that's something to brag about because the Russian PK has looked awful.

He's playing well again tonight and at this point I just want him signed. Conte's been scouting him so maybe it will happen. :crossfing

Hopefully his good play here will render him more playing time on his RSL team.

He's played on the PK for the whole series, then again I don't know if that's something to brag about because the Russian PK has looked awful.

He's playing well again tonight and at this point I just want him signed. Conte's been scouting him so maybe it will happen. :crossfing
Thanks, I didn't see the Russian games so I wasn't sure if this was something new. On the Canadian PP goals I haven't seen him get out of position or anything; it's not like he's played the PK and played poorly.

Thanks, I didn't see the Russian games so I wasn't sure if this was something new. On the Canadian PP goals I haven't seen him get out of position or anything; it's not like he's played the PK and played poorly.
Oh no, not at all. He's been invisible on the PK and that's always a good thing. It's just that the Canadians have completely had their way with the Russians when they've had the PP.

So is the general consensus for this whole series that Vasyunov was one of the best players for Russia?

For the few games that i watched he looked ok. The canadian team was just to powerful. Vasyunov played his best game on friday. I don't think the russian cared to much about the series, not nearly as much as the canadians. can it showed in most of the player play including vasyunov's play. you can really notice it in his play away from the puck kind of floating waiting for a pass.

Hopefully his good play here will render him more playing time on his RSL team.


More playing time for Yaroslav + success = more money = No way I'm playing in the AHL. Just something to keep in mind. Signing him this past summer before he got a lot of playing time in the RSL would have been ideal.

For the few games that i watched he looked ok. The canadian team was just to powerful. Vasyunov played his best game on friday. I don't think the russian cared to much about the series, not nearly as much as the canadians. can it showed in most of the player play including vasyunov's play. you can really notice it in his play away from the puck kind of floating waiting for a pass.
I didn't find he floated at all. I found he always found open space in the neutral zone and stretched Canada's defense effectivly. He would wait till russia had possesion of the puck before he would leave the zone also.

Sutter is taking today off then heading to Jersey tomorrow to start his nhl coaching career. They are already saying that he will be the front runner to coach team Canada in the 2010 winter olympics. We have a real gem in this guy. We should be prepared to win alot this season (I HOPE)

More playing time for Yaroslav + success = more money = No way I'm playing in the AHL. Just something to keep in mind. Signing him this past summer before he got a lot of playing time in the RSL would have been ideal.


exactly, i have no idea why Devils brass does not see or understand this, they should bring Vasyunov and Zharkov over while there value is low, not wait until they break out and earn more money and playing time over in the RSL. I am very worried about this. Just like last year i feel they should have brought Klimov over the develope when Spartek went under for a season. Other teams have decided to try and sign and bring over there russians early, whereas NJ seems content to lose them. ex Rags sign Anisimov

Now is the time to sign Vasyunov.

exactly, i have no idea why Devils brass does not see or understand this, they should bring Vasyunov and Zharkov over while there value is low, not wait until they break out and earn more money and playing time over in the RSL. I am very worried about this. Just like last year i feel they should have brought Klimov over the develope when Spartek went under for a season. Other teams have decided to try and sign and bring over there russians early, whereas NJ seems content to lose them. ex Rags sign Anisimov

Now is the time to sign Vasyunov.
I agree, but Vasyunov knows his value is low right now so he has no reason to sign at this point. It works both ways.

I agree, but Vasyunov knows his value is low right now so he has no reason to sign at this point. It works both ways.


but...entry level deal is entry level deal no matter how well he does, his bounus would only be slightly altered i think and if the devils were smart a higher bounus would not matter much compared to the problems they will have if vasyunov and/or zharkov has a good year in the RSL. its worth the gamble in my opinion to bring them over now, and if they never pan out or develope well enough, who cares, because the payoff is much higher than the loss, essentially a few hundred thousand.

but...entry level deal is entry level deal no matter how well he does, his bounus would only be slightly altered i think and if the devils were smart a higher bounus would not matter much compared to the problems they will have if vasyunov and/or zharkov has a good year in the RSL. its worth the gamble in my opinion to bring them over now, and if they never pan out or develope well enough, who cares, because the payoff is much higher than the loss, essentially a few hundred thousand.
Sure, but he won't make the team this year and there's a big big big difference between AHL $ and RSL $.