IIHF World ChampionshipDiscuss International Tournaments like the WJC, Olympics, and World Cup, as they take place, or discuss past tournaments. performances.
Our team looks very serious this year, nice.
Late to the party, but I'm disappointed Zhafyarov wasn't invited to the camp. Sure, he didn't play his best hockey last month and didn't stand out at the SSS, but he looked easily better than Slepyshev on MNk games.
Our team looks very serious this year, nice.
Late to the party, but I'm disappointed Zhafyarov wasn't invited to the camp. Sure, he didn't play his best hockey last month and didn't stand out at the SSS, but he looked easily better than Slepyshev on MNk games.
Slepyshev does have a full solid rookie year in KHL on Zhafyarov and is quiet a bit more responsible defensively. I think that's why it's the choice for Varnakov.
Our team looks very serious this year, nice.
Late to the party, but I'm disappointed Zhafyarov wasn't invited to the camp. Sure, he didn't play his best hockey last month and didn't stand out at the SSS, but he looked easily better than Slepyshev on MNk games.
I really liked Zhafyarov's speed and superb hands in Game 6 of the SSS. He can really fly and handle the puck at full speed. But I don't know whether he made a good enough show to win a spot on the team.
According to Varnakov the team is also under heavy physical loads due to camp. Ever tried passing while sore/exhausted? really hard).
He is obviously doing a micro cycle to condition the players, which is a great idea.
When Varnakov played for Soviet national teams, the practices that Tikhonov ran were brutal, but they prepared the guys to play the whole game at a breakneck pace without letting up. The 1979 Soviet Challenge Cup, in which Varnakov played, is the best example I have seen of a team that mercilessly kept its foot on the pedal for 3 consecutive games. My guess is that his experience entered into his plan to really push the guys physically, if that is what he's doing.
When Varnakov played for Soviet national teams, the practices that Tikhonov ran were brutal, but they prepared the guys to play the whole game at a breakneck pace without letting up. The 1979 Soviet Challenge Cup, in which Varnakov played, is the best example I have seen of a team that mercilessly kept its foot on the pedal for 3 consecutive games. My guess is that his experience entered into his plan to really push the guys physically, if that is what he's doing.
Hope to see the same preperation for the Olympic team, Imagine Radulov and Ovechkin
It's going to look good, better than last few years overall. More balanced as most defenders are with KHL experience. Last year only 1 defender played in KHL. Missing Naumenkov this year though.
I don't really know how it compares to other teams (as I don't know them), but I think the fact that lot of defenders have KHL experience says something about the team.
does Russia have a bonafide first pairing? Who should I covet for points in a pool?
I expect Russia to crush. should be a great tourney.
So, what are some of your guy's line predictions for this years squad?
af for the forwards the first two lines most likely will be:
Sigarev Khokhlachev Yakupov
Slepyshev Grigorenko Kucherov(?If he makes the roster)
i have no idea about the rest
af for the forwards the first two lines most likely will be:
Sigarev Khokhlachev Yakupov
Slepyshev Grigorenko Kucherov(?If he makes the roster)
i have no idea about the rest
Considering Kucherov was on the team last year and played very well, I'd be shocked if he didn't make the team.
