You can teach the guy how to play defense in 2 years. But his offensive talent is undeniable.
+ Bragin was happy with his 2-way game. Considering the injury, so was I.
cosnidering the injury - yes, baring the injury - he is the projected number 1 pick and inspite of being born only in 94 - you have to justify such a high ranking, he hasn't done it even before the injury, same goes for Yakupov. Neither is ready to make a step to adult hockey as of WJC, doubt they can make a step from Juniors to the Olympic NT in two years, basically in a season and a 1/2.
cosnidering the injury - yes, baring the injury - he is the projected number 1 pick and inspite of being born only in 94 - you have to justify such a high ranking, he hasn't done it even before the injury, same goes for Yakupov. Neither is ready to make a step to adult hockey as of WJC, doubt they can make a step from Juniors to the Olympic NT in two years, basically in a season and a 1/2.
I think many of us are hoping they have a rapid jump but realistically Russia will be lucky if even one of them make the squad. Good to see Malkin doing well this season and Kovalchuk finding form. Not going to mention Datsyuk as he is always just perfect, my favorite player. Really hope he does not drop off too much come 2014.
cosnidering the injury - yes, baring the injury - he is the projected number 1 pick and inspite of being born only in 94 - you have to justify such a high ranking, he hasn't done it even before the injury, same goes for Yakupov. Neither is ready to make a step to adult hockey as of WJC, doubt they can make a step from Juniors to the Olympic NT in two years, basically in a season and a 1/2.
I agree that neither one is ready for big-time hockey, but of the two, based on the WJC, I think that Yakupov showed a higher level of readiness to move up than Grigo. Grigo is truly a gifted offensive talent, and I hope he learns how to channel it soon, but he didn't show as well as expected in the WJC. I don't know how much the injury limited him, but he was not an offensive force at all, as he was expected to be. I expect to see him in Ufa next year.
I agree that neither one is ready for big-time hockey, but of the two, based on the WJC, I think that Yakupov showed a higher level of readiness to move up than Grigo. Grigo is truly a gifted offensive talent, and I hope he learns how to channel it soon, but he didn't show as well as expected in the WJC. I don't know how much the injury limited him, but he was not an offensive force at all, as he was expected to be. I expect to see him in Ufa next year.
Bragin said, that grigorenko came to WJC out of shape, I guess the CHL schedule and playing a lot of minutes wore him out, he looked exceptional at the SSS
Bragin said, that grigorenko came to WJC out of shape, I guess the CHL schedule and playing a lot of minutes wore him out, he looked exceptional at the SSS
Unfortunately, I missed that SSS game, but by all accounts, he dazzled everyone. At other times, he seems to be much less assertive. I've never liked the team divided almost evenly by CHL and MHL/KHL. There never seems to be great chemistry. Much better chemistry when there are many more MHL/KHL guys, such as in 2011 in Buffalo.
What are everyone's thoughts now at the end of the year, at the beginning of the year we seemed to have some solid discussion on potential rosters. Any players that have stood out or slowly killing off their chances?
Do you guys think the potential of the 2014 Roster is looking better now than earlier this year?
What are everyone's thoughts now at the end of the year, at the beginning of the year we seemed to have some solid discussion on potential rosters. Any players that have stood out or slowly killing off their chances?
Do you guys think the potential of the 2014 Roster is looking better now than earlier this year?
Well, before the season, Tarasenko and Kuznetsov still looked like projects. Now they are among the best KHL players. They are still improving, but clearly they should be on the roster and contribute.
Yakupov also is looking like a strong candidate now.
Well, before the season, Tarasenko and Kuznetsov still looked like projects. Now they are among the best KHL players. They are still improving, but clearly they should be on the roster and contribute.
Yakupov also is looking like a strong candidate now.
Few pages back most of us did have them in the teams (Either due to hope or belief they would continue to develop).
Right now I think Bilya is looking at something like this.
Popov/Malkin/Perezhogin
Ovechkin/Datsyuk/Radulov
Kovalchuk/Tereschenko(Shipachyov)/Tarasenko(Zherdev)
Kulyomin/Anisimov/Kuznetsov
----
Yakupov
Syomin (not sure on him really...although he normally steps up for Russia)
(Not sure about the final two centres, a lot of options but not high caliber Tereschnko,Shipachyov, Burmistrov and slim chances for Tikhonov, not sure about Grigorenko, think he will be a late bloomer and 2014 is too soon).
Imagine the KHL line from 2010 was on the larger rink
Defense I guess would be
Medvedev-Nikulin
Kulikov(Tyutin?)-Yemelin
Belov-Ryasensky
Oh, pfft... All it takes is good team chemistry and Malkin on a hot streak resembling the 2012 WC.
Something which was non existent in 2010. Going into the 2010 Olympics most of Russia's stars were dominating the NHL and disappeared in Vancouver. The 2012 WC was probably the most enjoyable team chemistry in a very long time from a Russia perspective. Hopefully by 2014 all the lines will be in sync and playing the beautiful Russian Hockey that we love.
Defense is so weak. Why can't we produce quality defenders.
It has improved recently. But unfortunately recent products (Kulikov, Orlov, Voynov, Chudinov, Zadorov, Nesterov, Zaitsev and some others) are still developing.
Defense is so weak. Why can't we produce quality defenders.
I don't think it's all that weak. Sure, we don't have any heavy hitters or new Gonchars- but we do have overall solid defenders that match the new system (mobile, puck moving defenseman). I think best KHL defenders are underestimated, like Nikulin, Medvedev, Biryukov, Belov. Those guys would do good in NHL as well, I think.
And you have to like the prospects Voynov, Orlov, Marchenko, Arzamastsev, Nesterov, Zadorov, Sergeyev, Naumenkov. Those guys are certainly among the best junior D if you forget all the draft nonsense. A pretty good 'crop', I would say. There is still time for the older of that group to step up and make the team.
I don't think it's all that weak. Sure, we don't have any heavy hitters or new Gonchars- but we do have overall solid defenders that match the new system (mobile, puck moving defenseman). I think best KHL defenders are underestimated, like Nikulin, Medvedev, Biryukov, Belov. Those guys would do good in NHL as well, I think.
And you have to like the prospects Voynov, Orlov, Marchenko, Arzamastsev, Nesterov, Zadorov, Sergeyev, Naumenkov. Those guys are certainly among the best junior D if you forget all the draft nonsense. A pretty good 'crop', I would say. There is still time for the older of that group to step up and make the team.
What are your thoughts on Antipin? Always considered him to be solid but had the likes of Marchenko and Arzamastsev as the superior players in his birth year (1992). I have enjoyed what he has provided on the Power Play this year, 16 points in 33 games this season in the KHL, not too bad for a 20 year old. Hopefully he continues his development.
What are your thoughts on Antipin? Always considered him to be solid but had the likes of Marchenko and Arzamastsev as the superior players in his birth year (1992). I have enjoyed what he has provided on the Power Play this year, 16 points in 33 games this season in the KHL, not too bad for a 20 year old. Hopefully he continues his development.
He is a good player for sure, but he is a center piece on the PP where he is fed the puck (by Malkin, Mozyakin - great players) for a nice one timer. I'm not sure it would work on other teams with other players. He is an average player in Defense. Tough, but he really has to be with his size to compensate. He doesn't QB the PP and is not a PK specialist.
So, he is good, but I don't see him becoming a staple on NT in the future. At the peak he'll maybe make the NT as a role player.
Mozyakin-Malkin-Radulov Heavy offensive line, could give Mozyakin much space and time to shoot when opponents focus on Malkin, and Radulov.
Kovalchuk-Datsyuk-Tarasenko Kovy and Tarasenko has shown good chemistry and Datsyuk is just simple brilliant can play with anyone. Great second line but could be a first line to
Ovechkin-Tereschenko-Kuznetsov Tereshchenko good two way player who can take care of the defensive while Ovechkin and Kuznetsov two fanstastiskt offensive talents can handle the attacks.
Kulyomin-Anisimov-Zherdev Great 4th line, Kulyomin and Anisimov two big skilled player with a dynamo in Zherdev who i think been really good in team Russia .
ex. Yakupov Still young, has shown great potential could be a joker on this team.
Nikulin-Medvedev Best 2 defenders in 2012 WC imo, underrate in NA but i have no doubt they could be top defender in NHL to.
Kulikov-Markov I think Markov is still great player if he can be healthy and Kulikov is good young defender with alot of potential.
Emelin-Voynov Emelin a nightmare for us swedes and Voynov was impressive last year in LA good puckhandler who can makes plays and starts attacks from his own blueline. and he should have time to develop even further until the Olympics
ex. Orlov Another young defender who has alot of potential.
Varlamov
Barulin
I guess Varlamov will be the starter and Barulin is a safe pick to play games if Varly need to rest or get hurt.
Mozyakin-Malkin-Radulov Heavy offensive line, could give Mozyakin much space and time to shoot when opponents focus on Malkin, and Radulov.
Kovalchuk-Datsyuk-Tarasenko Kovy and Tarasenko has shown good chemistry and Datsyuk is just simple brilliant can play with anyone. Great second line but could be a first line to
Ovechkin-Tereschenko-Kuznetsov Tereshchenko good two way player who can take care of the defensive while Ovechkin and Kuznetsov two fanstastiskt offensive talents can handle the attacks.
Kulyomin-Anisimov-Zherdev Great 4th line, Kulyomin and Anisimov two big skilled player with a dynamo in Zherdev who i think been really good in team Russia .
ex. Yakupov Still young, has shown great potential could be a joker on this team.
Nikulin-Medvedev Best 2 defenders in 2012 WC imo, underrate in NA but i have no doubt they could be top defender in NHL to.
Kulikov-Markov I think Markov is still great player if he can be healthy and Kulikov is good young defender with alot of potential.
Emelin-Voynov Emelin a nightmare for us swedes and Voynov was impressive last year in LA good puckhandler who can makes plays and starts attacks from his own blueline. and he should have time to develop even further until the Olympics
ex. Orlov Another young defender who has alot of potential.
Varlamov
Barulin
I guess Varlamov will be the starter and Barulin is a safe pick to play games if Varly need to rest or get hurt.
Excellent post. You know your stuff.
Minor disagreements:
- would prefer Popov to Zherdev; I loved Popov at WC and he's playing well
- Markov doesn't look right to me; Gonchar is much better
- Not sure Yakupov is ready, but it's possible
I don't think it's all that weak. Sure, we don't have any heavy hitters or new Gonchars- but we do have overall solid defenders that match the new system (mobile, puck moving defenseman). I think best KHL defenders are underestimated, like Nikulin, Medvedev, Biryukov, Belov. Those guys would do good in NHL as well, I think.
And you have to like the prospects Voynov, Orlov, Marchenko, Arzamastsev, Nesterov, Zadorov, Sergeyev, Naumenkov. Those guys are certainly among the best junior D if you forget all the draft nonsense. A pretty good 'crop', I would say. There is still time for the older of that group to step up and make the team.
I think the Sochi defense will be pretty solid and consistent. Nothing spectacular, but they'll hold their own.
A little off topic but I'm bored and I'm trying to do an all time team for most countries before this tournament. I did my all time Russian team and I'm curious what you guys think about it. I had to leave some stellar players out but I tried to include every era and stuff like that.
KHARLAMOV FEDOROV BURE
Could put a bunch of guys here. Kharalmov arguably the best player ever... Fedorov aruably the best NHL russian ever... Bure just an explosive goal scorer
FIRSOV LARIONOV MOGILNY
Firsov isnt talked about much but I've seen him held in high regard and heard he had some serious wheels. Larionov speaks for himself and Mogilny just scored period.
OVECHKIN MALTSEV MAKAROV
I wasnt sure who to pick ovechkins play as seriously regressed but even if he retired today i bet he would still be considered one of the best russians ever. The other two were dynamic from what i've seen and read.
Bobrov MALKIN MIKHAILOV 13th-Datsyuk
I wanted kovalchuk or petrov or krutov in their some where im sure there is other guys but from the stats and highlights and what im reading (also Malkin right now) I felt this is the best forward line up I could think of
FETISOV ZUBOV
Can you say offense?
KASATONOV KONSTANTINOV
I've read a lot of good things about both figured it would work.
VASILIEV RAGULIN 7TH-SOLOGUBOV
Gonchar zhitnik lobchenko were close but I read Sologubov pretty much revolutionized defense so I added him.
TRETIAK
KHABIBULIN
KONOVALENKO
What do you guys think? Anyways you can get back to next years team just thought I'd mix it up a bit, thanks.
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