The head coach of reigning Olympic champions and one of Russia’s main competitors at the coming Vancouver Games Swedish national team Bengt-Ake Gustafsson gaves an interview.
"I won’t be original if I say that determining of the team’s Olympic roster by December 23 will be our main concern at this time", said the coach. "I begin every day by watching NHL news. Moreover it’s time to prepare for the Moscow stage of Euro Hockey Tour, which will differ much from the previous three seasons".
"I am going to give three or maximum five places in the squad to players from European clubs, but two more links from the roster, who will play in Moscow, will be candidates to the national team’s squad for the Olympic Games".
"New rules allow us make changes in the list of players until the start of the Olympics so we should keep in mind at least ten players who don’t enter the 23-men roster".
"In Moscow we will see who would be able to replace NHL players in case of injuries. Moreover I seriously think to cap one non-NHL goalkeeper for Vancouver Games".
"I like statistics and mood of Henrik Lundqvist from Rangers, who is likely to be our number one goalkeeper. Supporters and hockey experts are sure that Russia and Canada will have the strongest goalkeepers in Vancouver and maybe it’s really so".
"But situation in our team is not worse, since three goalkeepers can’t play at one time. Henrik is cool-headed, experienced and has constant practice in his club".
"Peter Forsberg plays much better now than at the Carjala Cup in November, so if he keeps the same playing rhythm we will think about inviting him to Vancouver".
"Player with his experienced, mastership and two Olympic gold medals will surely help us. It’s not necessary to pay attention to performances during the season".
"Russian veteran Sergey Fyodorov also doesn’t score three goals every match, but nobody puts into doubt his usefulness to the national team".
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