KHL players Russia's downfall?

[PROBIE4PREZ 58]

Linky

I didnt think the NHL players would mesh with the KHL players at all.. Jagr said it himself that the NHL is a way quicker game than the KHL..

one of LGW'ers favourite words!!

When asked by a news agency reporter whether he was disappointed with Wednesday's outcome, Ovechkin said, "What do you think? I'm disappointed." He then walked away.

Classy Datsyuk? He answered lots of questions. So did Evgeni Nabokov, who got drilled for six goals before getting yanked. Somebody had to answer for this loss, but apparently Ovechkin didn't see it that way.

[stevkrause 1,247]

these Olympics might have been one of the best things to happen to the NHL in a long time... maybe Russians and other Europeans who may have defected, or just gone straight to the KHL will second guess their choice and really work for/aim for the NHL, as it has proven to be a superior league...

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

I thought the KHL was well represented last night, and all tax free.

[Reds4Life 51]

Nah, the KHL line was actually good. Nabokov sucked, Kovalchuk has been invisible from start to finish and the whole Russian team never really played as a team.

[Serapth 3]

Frankly, Canada was Russia's downfall. They game to play and absolutely shocked the Russians. That game was won in the first 10 minutes.

Nabby didn't help, and the fact he didn't get pulled earlier ( especially between periods ), speaks ill towards the coaches.

Edited February 25, 2010 by Serapth

[dat's sick 1,002]

Ovechkin, Malkin, Semin and Nabokov are KHL players? Because those were some of Russia's worst players last night.

Lazy superstars were Russia's downfall. Datsyuk was the only one backchecking and working hard on defense. Babcock has made everyone on Canada play like a team and take their responsibility.

Did you guys see when Ovechkin broke his stick and went to the bench, not to change or to quickly grab a stick from a teammate, but to wait while a trainer ran and fetched him a new stick. It probably took like 20 seconds. Babcock wouldn't let something like that slide.

Malkin made a terrible giveaway on the offensive blueline. Then he just floats back towards defense while Rick Nash explodes through the neutral zone and ends up scoring. You think Babcock wouldn't tear Malkin a new one if he was coach of Russia?

Anyone who uses last nigth's game as a NHL>KHL leverage is stupid. Russia were beat on every position in every way. Kovalev or another couple of NHLers wouldn't have helped. Besides, everyone knows the NHL is a better league but that doesn't mean KHL players can't compete.

[Opie 308]

The goal scored off of the Boyle pass, can not remember who one timed it in, whomever it was had some of the weakest D played on them in years. Pretty sure it was the right D man who came in off of the point, 2 d-men went at Boyle, Kovie forgot to play anybody and was standing high slot watching the puck.

Russia's team D was their downfall, and weak ass goaltending from Nabby did not help.

[beepbeep 3]

Didn't get to see the games but from reading these post it sounds like the Russians played defense like the Red Wings have been playing this season.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

As I said last night, the Russian program doesn't do a good job of emphasizing defensive hockey.

Russian centermen are generally good in their own zone, but Russian wingers are completely uncommitted to any defensive coverage.

Also, it would have helped them to have Zubov and Markov playing on the team. Instead, their defense looked lost most of the game.

With that said, don't forget they beat Canada in 2006, so it's not like they can't plain handle North American hockey. Canada had an even more physical team in 2006 as well.

[Guest scottj]

like somebody said... it resembled video game defense. (like nhl 10... which is ******* HORRIBLE)

just floating around mirroring the offense, barely even trying for a pokecheck or anything of the sort

[T.Low 1,011]

Ovechkin, Malkin, Semin and Nabokov are KHL players? Because those were some of Russia's worst players last night.

Lazy superstars were Russia's downfall. Datsyuk was the only one backchecking and working hard on defense. Babcock has made everyone on Canada play like a team and take their responsibility.

Did you guys see when Ovechkin broke his stick and went to the bench, not to change or to quickly grab a stick from a teammate, but to wait while a trainer ran and fetched him a new stick. It probably took like 20 seconds. Babcock wouldn't let something like that slide.

Malkin made a terrible giveaway on the offensive blueline. Then he just floats back towards defense while Rick Nash explodes through the neutral zone and ends up scoring. You think Babcock wouldn't tear Malkin a new one if he was coach of Russia?

Anyone who uses last nigth's game as a NHL>KHL leverage is stupid. Russia were beat on every position in every way. Kovalev or another couple of NHLers wouldn't have helped. Besides, everyone knows the NHL is a better league but that doesn't mean KHL players can't compete.

As much as I hate to have to say it, Datsyuk spent a lot of time picking himself up off the ice last night. He was getting knocked off the puck all night long, including a good one by Cyndy Crysby. Pavs looked like a frustrated KHL star trying to play with the big boys of the NHL and not doing well. He had no jump, no grit, looked like he lost his Mojo.

That coupled with the Red Swedes that finally recorded a point last night for the first time this Olympics, when the NHL resumes we're going to have to hook our cart to Brian Rafalski. Zetterberg and Datsyuk are playing with zero confidence. They are currently the Diet Coke of superstars: just one calorie, not super enough.

The Russians do not know how to utilize their new found individuality that Ovie and Semin display. They do not yet know how to be individuals within a team concept.

Canada is killing with skill and selflessness; just like the classic Swede game.

US is crashing and banginig and hustling and making the most of their opportunites; just like the classic Canadian game.

Sweden is smothering and eeking out a goal here and there like a constipated fat lady; very painful; just like the classic New Jersy Devil game.

The US's only hope is that Canada uses up their mojo with Sweden. But I have to say Canada for the Gold.

Edited February 25, 2010 by T.Low

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

I think a big difference was that the 2006 Russian roster comprised of NHL'ers while this years team had 9 guys from the KHL whom were all pretty quiet.

When your NHL goalie gives up 6 goals like that, it's hard to blame any KHL players for it.

Most of their players have played in the NHL and did so recently. With that said, maybe playing a whole season in Russia made them forget what it was like to play against more explosive competition.

In any case, one of these top nations had to lose and the loser was going home with lots of questions.

Imagine if Canada lost. People wouldn't know what the hell to do, since this roster was basically comprised of Canada's best players. No one can argue much about the players they picked. Someone had to go down.

[Guest micah]

As much as I hate to have to say it, Datsyuk spent a lot of time picking himself up off the ice last night. He was getting knocked off the puck all night long, including a good one by Cyndy Crysby. Pavs looked like a frustrated KHL star trying to play with the big boys of the NHL and not doing well. He had no jump, no grit, looked like he lost his Mojo.

That coupled with the Red Swedes that finally recorded a point last night for the first time this Olympics, when the NHL resumes we're going to have to hook our cart to Brian Rafalski. Zetterberg and Datsyuk are playing with zero confidence. They are currently the Diet Coke of superstars: just one calorie, not super enough.

This has not been a Wing-friendly tournament, except for Rafalski. Kronwall and Lids tied for the worst +/- in their game last night at -2.

[NGKEIB 32]

This has not been a Wing-friendly tournament, except for Rafalski. Kronwall and Lids tied for the worst +/- in their game last night at -2.

Zetterberg played well defensively, and don't forget Flipper.

[zettie85 106]

As much as I hate to have to say it, Datsyuk spent a lot of time picking himself up off the ice last night. He was getting knocked off the puck all night long, including a good one by Cyndy Crysby. Pavs looked like a frustrated KHL star trying to play with the big boys of the NHL and not doing well. He had no jump, no grit, looked like he lost his Mojo.

That coupled with the Red Swedes that finally recorded a point last night for the first time this Olympics, when the NHL resumes we're going to have to hook our cart to Brian Rafalski. Zetterberg and Datsyuk are playing with zero confidence. They are currently the Diet Coke of superstars: just one calorie, not super enough.

The Russians do not know how to utilize their new found individuality that Ovie and Semin display. They do not yet know how to be individuals within a team concept.

Canada is killing with skill and selflessness; just like the classic Swede game.

US is crashing and banginig and hustling and making the most of their opportunites; just like the classic Canadian game.

Sweden is smothering and eeking out a goal here and there like a constipated fat lady; very painful; just like the classic New Jersy Devil game.

The US's only hope is that Canada uses up their mojo with Sweden. But I have to say Canada for the Gold.

Does Canada not play Slovakia??????

Edited February 25, 2010 by zettie85

[zettie85 106]

When your NHL goalie gives up 6 goals like that, it's hard to blame any KHL players for it.

Most of their players have played in the NHL and did so recently. With that said, maybe playing a whole season in Russia made them forget what it was like to play against more explosive competition.

In any case, one of these top nations had to lose and the loser was going home with lots of questions.

Imagine if Canada lost. People wouldn't know what the hell to do, since this roster was basically comprised of Canada's best players. No one can argue much about the players they picked. Someone had to go down.

Any goalie can get lit up when he is left out to dry. Unless they have games like Miller/Hiller have been having then they are going to get scorched no matter who they are.

Edited February 25, 2010 by zettie85

[Opie 308]

2 if not a third goal were with out a doubt due to Nabby being off of his game, the Morrow goal for one example, and the last goal he gave up for another.

[RusDRW 155]

you make too many conclusions out of a single game. Why didn't you make them after epic 3-2 SO win over Switzerland?

that was the game when everything was on the line for Canada. They put everything in it. I wouldn't say Russia wasn't ready, but, obiously, that wasn't the best day for us. Combinations of these factors led to 7-3. Not a big deal after all.