Russia's Goaltending

Russia's goaltending is definately their weak spot. I heard that Bryzgalov might be their starter? Is this true? If so do you think he will be able to hold up against all that talent? How's it looking.

Well it all depends on who the starting goaltender is. Evgeny Nabokov had knee surgery, so he's a question mark yet. But I think (though I maybe wrong here) that Nabokov has be cleared to play. Maybe someone else could give you a clearer answer on that. I feel better with him as a starter than Bryzgalov (I still wish Khabibulin was playing :shakehead ). Always go with the guy who has the NHL experience since this is basically an NHL tournament.

I wonder if Andrei Medvedev will be given a shot

I believe he's the most successful Russian goalie in international tournament play?
(I read that somewhere, but I have a hard time believeing he's more successful then Tritek, or however you spell his name.)

Maxim Sokolov has been the number one in the past World Championships, he´s played 19 WC-games the last four tournaments. Expect him to be the No 1, after all this is a russian team with russian coaches.

http://live82.ihwc.net/player/RUS/player.IHRUS12705197202.php?replace

I'm almost positive I read that Nabby should be cleared to play in the World Cup.

I'm almost sure, that Nabokov was cleared to play.

Nabokov has not been cleared to play and goaltending coach Tretiak just declared that if he is unable to play Bryzgalov will be the first choice keeper. After then Fomichev (ex-Oiler prospect I believe) and only then Sokolov. He explained his reasoning by experience on North American soil which the latter doesn't have.

Nabokov has not been cleared to play and goaltending coach Tritiak just declared that if he is unable to play Bryzgalov will be the first choice keeper. After then Fomichev (ex-Oiler prospect I believe) and only then Sokolov. He explained his reasoning by experience on North American soil which the latter doesn't have.
Is there a deadline for Nabby's decision?

What a great opportunity for Bryzgalov.

This is beginning to sound like one of those stories where Russia is deemed to have no chance because of their goaltending, and Bryz is named World Cup MVP.

Or, my imagination's getting to me again. Either way, good for Bryz is he starts. He could definetely prove himself worthy to alot of people.

Is there a deadline for Nabby's decision?

He will have an examination with team medics this week. If there is a slightest chance he can recover (even if it'll happen for the end of the tournament), he will be included on team's roster.

And in that case, despite Tretiak's priorities, I think Fomichev will be left out of the squad, not Sokolov. This last senetnce is my speculation, not what he said.

Fair enough.

Nabokov has not been cleared to play and goaltending coach Tretiak just declared that if he is unable to play Bryzgalov will be the first choice keeper. After then Fomichev (ex-Oiler prospect I believe) and only then Sokolov. He explained his reasoning by experience on North American soil which the latter doesn't have.
It is highly likely that if Nabokov does not play, then Bryz will be given a shot at no. 1. Bryzgalov is close to Tretiak and attends his goalie camp, as does Nabokov.

I wonder if Andrei Medvedev will be given a shot

I believe he's the most successful Russian goalie in international tournament play?
(I read that somewhere, but I have a hard time believeing he's more successful then Tritek, or however you spell his name.)

Andrei will likely be the backup (or even the 3rd goalie, behind both Volkov & Glebov) for Spartak next year. I think the Russians can come up with someone better, if need be.

Ya, Medvedev was an ok goalie - but Russia didn't win because of him, that's for damned sure. They've just had teams that have been that much better.

Sokolov wasn't invited to the training camp, for what it's worth