BABCOCK: OUR KEY TASK IS TO WIN THE GOLD

The head coach of Detroit and Canadian Olympic team Mike Babcock gave an interview to russian sport press.


"It’s not difficult to combine two jobs this season", said Babcock. "We worked very hard at summer training camp".

"Coaches always keep in contact with each other while Steve Yzerman is here all the time and I can speak to him when it’s necessary".

"I don’t think that our situation is more complicated than other team’s situations, since everyone will have to start right off the bat. I have already talked to most part of players after we announced the final squad. I only need to speak to maybe two goalkeepers so everything goes according to our plan".

"While everybody waits for Russia vs. Canada duel in Vancouver, however we cannot know for sure that it will really take place. My target is to create the team and help it surge in every game".

"Hockey is religion in Canada and the most important thing for this country is to become the best hockey nation in the world. Russia beat us several times and it was big event".

"But for example Canada won five straight youth championships and let America seal the title this time, so now it’s necessary to take it back. The same thing concerns other sports too, as we need to continue best Canadian traditions".

"It’s impossible to win all competitions and it concerns Olympic games too. Sweden won the previous Games and it means that we need to take away the gold from them".

"Detroit Russian star Pavel Datsyuk is not very effective now and I think that it can be explained by the fact that emotional mindset cannot be the same for all games. He had to play too long seasons in recent three years and sometimes it happens that you are not perfectly set for several games. The problem is that we are left to play 30 matches and we need Pavel to play his best hockey in all of them".

"Ilya Bryzgalov is goalkeeper with great potential. I coached him in Anaheim farm-club in his first season in big hockey and he was a real star of AHL that year".

"To my mind he easily play in Phoenics because of his team’s well-disciplined hockey in defence. He always knows what to expect in particular situation. When such club as Phoenics has a chance to win in each match, it has positive impact on his display".

DATSYUK: I TRAIN TRICKS LIKE EVERYBODY

The Russian star of Detroit Pavel Datsyuk spoke to sport press correspondent ahead of the Olympics.


Detroit now is one of the most Olympic cities in NHL. Together with the head coach of the Canadian national team Mike Babcock the Detroit delegation to Vancouver will consist of seven people.

And the Russian interest in Red Wings represents Pavel Datsyuk – winner of Frank Selke Trophy (to the top defensive forward) and Lady Byng Trophy (to the League’s most gentlemanly player).

Though this year he is not doing very well, and for example could not score for seven consecutive matches already. On the other hand his team is also only a shadow of what it used to be.

Though the status of Datsyuk in the team is unquestionable. And there is no question who is the brightest star in Detroit. Pavel is one of few who are able to level up the mood of the team.

And the citizens of Detroit can be grateful. There one can recently learn a new English word – Datsyukian that means “a trick head to head with the goalie that could have been created in the brains and worked out exclusively and personally by Datsyuk only”.

"Nothing happens just for fun," said Pavel. "Everybody keeps trainings some tricks, maneuvers. And this is the same with me. You need time for everything."

"Of course you will not see such things in official games often. For in such matches it is more important to score. Obviously you want to please your supporters but the puck in the net is essential. And the fans will go home happy."

"This season is difficult for me, the team and the city in general. It can be felt everywhere. The economy hit Detroit a lot."

"Many houses are on sale now, the rate of unemployment is almost the highest in America. All this tells on our supporters and we also feel it."

"I cannot score for seven consecutive matches and of course this fact worries me. But this is secondary. The performance of the team is what primary for me. Victory is first, my worries – secondary."

"This year I throw less. Earlier I attacked more and that is why I was more dangerous. Why did it happen? We will find it out."

"I do not see only one reason. I also started this season badly. And now I have to catch up. There have been fifty matches already and I have not gained momentum yet."

"I cannot say how much time I need to get in my best form. But do not be afraid everything will be all right at the Olympics. There are three weeks left and the work is being done."

"I have not played for the national team for quite a long time already, since the Turin-2006. But the country is the same and everything is ok. You, journalists always try divide us into players, coaches."

"What is wrong if I do not know Bykov well? We are one country, and we will do our common work."

BRYZGALOV: OLYMPICS – NOT MY MOTIVATION

The first choice goalie of Phoenix Ilya Bryzgalov gave an interview to russian sport press after the match against Detroit Red Wings where the forward of the hosts Pavel Datsyuk broke his scoreless series of seven consecutive matches.


One could guess what way the interview with the Russian goalie will take at once in the dressing rooms. The famous for his specific manner of talking to journalists Pavel Datsyuk who was next door at that moment could have come in with a notebook and write down the minutes.

Even among goalkeepers Ilya is number one in terms of originality and this season he is hardly inferior to anybody as a goalie.

"Oh, no! Again Olympics," reacted Bryzgalov on the first question. "At the moment it has nothing to do with me. I will think about it in three weeks."

"And actually it is not difficult to cut myself from the Vancouver-2010. I will start thinking about it on 14 or even 15 February."

"And now I have no time for this. Match after match, journey after journey, hither and yon, home affairs."

"It is, journalists, who keep thinking about the Olympics because you must write about it, fan tensions, pressurize us, saying that everybody expects only gold from us…one must not put the cart before the horse."

"And the matter is not in us who won the last two World Championships", laughs the goalie.

"As for my last year’s performance in the national team it was a bit difficult to get used to it after the NHL Championship."

"There arena is bigger but that did not really bother me. Most of all I was distressed by the coloring in the goal area. It is not like in NHL – cut but semi-circle."

"And I got used to be guided by the coloring and at first I was flying out of the goalmouth. That embarrassed me a bit. But in a couple of days I adapted to it. But in general everything is ok."

"I do not see Olympic Games as motivation for great performance in the club. Here my motivation is to bring Phoenix to the play-offs for the first time in seven years. This is the only thing moving me to play well this season."

"It has nothing to do with the Olympics, with the desire to appeal the coaches of the national team. Coyotes are my team and I try to worry about it."

"I do not stuff my head with things like who will be the first choice goaltender. By the way I can do nothing about it. We have two coaches who will make this decision."

"Moreover one goalie can start the tournament and a different one finish it. After all, the tournament is short and we do not have the right for a mistake."

"That is your opinion that I cannot bear sitting on the bench. And I will not try to bring you over or disappoint you."

FASEL: ICE WAR HAS BEGUN

IIHF president Rene Fasel commented on the results of the negotiations with the president of the Russian Hockey Federation Vladislav Tretyak and KHL president Alexandr Medvedev on the Olympic issues.


"I must comfort you, we have already discussed the question with the “list of 23” for the Olympics and substitutions," said Fasel packing his things. "And we discussed it not only with Tretyak but with your head coach Vyacheslav Bykov as well."

"Actually nothing changed drastically in comparison with the previous Olympics. We have an agreement with NHL and the union of the players of this League."

"According to this agreement the roster for the Olympics is to be announced about two months before the start of the tournament. This was the requirement of the union: its players should know in advance whether they are going to the Games or not."

"NHL will terminate the championship for two weeks, best players will go to Vancouver and others for a holiday. And we cannot forget about the interests of these others. And that is why the League insisted on the clause that there should be no unforeseen replacements of NHL players in the lists of 23."

"In other words any national team can make changes in its squad replacing any player not representing NHL. But NHL players are really a different matter. If for example Bykov decides to replace an NHL player he can do it only on the ground of an injury or other special circumstances that prevent a player from performing at the Olympics."

"The clause with special circumstances is not written down in the official documents in detail. But if we want to apply it to a player all the sides – NHL, the players’ union, IIHF and the national team staff – must share the same position on this player."

"Some personal reasons can become an obstacle but if a player has a headache or the coach stopped liking him it is not a reason for replacement."

"We called the 23-men list preliminary because coaches cannot make up the squad at once. To illustrate my point let us look at Switzerland. In any case both NHL players – Hiller and Streit will be in the Vancouver."

"But at the same time eight reserve players will be able to stay in Vancouver till 15 February. A coach must have some space for maneuver. God forbid if Streit for example get injured in the last match before the Olympics. And in this case he must be replaced."

"It is also possible to substitute an NHL player for an injured player. But in this situation the sub can say no, he has the right to decide whether he wants to go to the Olympics when originally he was not capped."

"I do not understand why people made a problem of this matter. Everything was written in the documents before. To my mind this is a part of pre-tournament psychological competition."

"One side tries to put coaches and players of the other side under pressure. Canadians complain about Russians and Russians in their turn complain about Canadians. The ice war has already begun and this is a part of the pre-tournament warm-up."

HITCHCOCK: WORLD CUPS – NO MATCH TO OLYMPICS

The head coach of Columbus, former head coach of the Canadian national team, who is to go to Vancouver as head coach assistant, Ken Hitchcock gave an interview to russian sport press.


"Thank heaven I live in America," said Hitchcock. "Here one cannot feel fully what is going on in Canada at the moment. Journalists would not let me alone around the clock. But I know how the matters stand there."

"Again, you, European journalists start talking about Canada being forced to prove again its power and dominance after recent losses."

"That is a new world, a new tournament. These are Olympics – and Olympics are quite a different matter."

"In Europe you pay too much attention to World Championships. But World Cups are only for those players who can go there. One cannot judge which country has the strongest national team according to these tournaments. All teams lack somebody."

"But if Canada is beaten at the Olympics than somebody will be able to boast about it."

"The Swedes are champions now. They won last Olympics and they are the best in the world now. Everything that happened between Turin and Vancouver is only tournaments among best of the rest."

"Olympics cannot be compared to any other competitions. Best against best – is a different level. And the tension is completely different – take World Cup and multiply by three."

"It was very hard when Russia beat us in Quebec. We were outplaying them 4:2 and one cannot possibly lose such an advantage in the final."

"But the best players of the Russian side showed their best. The entire team were charging from the energy of Ovechkin and Kovalchuk that day."

IIHF CONFIRMS RUSSIA’S RIGHT TO CHANGE 23-MEN LIST

Yesterday the IIHF president Rene Fasel met with representatives of KHL and Russian Hockey Federation in Moscow.


Organizational issues, connected with the Vancouver Olympic games, were the main themes to discuss at the meeting. In particular Russian side got explanations about procedure of substitutions in the “23-men list” which was unveiled at the end of December.

"We have been explained about Olympic reserve players", said general manager of the team Vladislav Tretyak. "Russian team has right to take eight reserve players to Vancouver".

"The Russian Hockey federation will send list of these players to the IOC. We will be able to make changes in the squad in case of injuries of players from the preliminary 23-men list until 15 February".

"All other national teams can use this right, but not only Russia".

KRIKUNOV: I WAS NOT SURPRISED WITH ZUBOV’S REFUSAL

Former head coach of Russian hockey team Vladimir Krikunov commented on Sergey Zubov’s refusal to go to the Olympic games as reserve player.


"First of all I want to say that I am not surprised at all, as I knew that these statements would appear, because Russians cannot live without them", said Krikunov.

"I perfectly know psychology of our players, who were the first to move to NHL. It’s very difficult to talk to them because they are half-Russians and half-Americans and in many situations they think only about themselves".

"To my mind Sergey Zubov deserved an invitation to Vancouver games by his performance this season, and it’s possible to understand his ambitions, expressed in his announcement in russian sport press".

"Bykov commented his refusal very calmly, but there is no sense in giving advice to the coaches. Anyway we can find something positive in this unpleasant thing. Maybe it’s good that people showed their real character before the Olympics".

ZUBOV WILL NOT GO TO VANCOUVER AS A SUB

The 39-year old defender of SKA, the best scorer of the defensive line in KHL regular championship, Sergey Zubov, made a sensational statement.


"The administrator of the national team has just called me and said that I am included into the list of substitutions for the Olympics," started Zubov his speech. "I actually did not know what to say. The situation surprised me a lot."

"And before this I was amazed and even offended by the words of the president of the Russian Hockey Federation Vladislav Tretyak and the head coach of the national team Vyacheslav Bykov uttered in an interview: that to get to the national squad one must gnaw the ice and they would not take you for your previous merits."

"All these statements have extremely disappointed me. This is humiliation of me as a personality and a sportsman. I do not owe anything to anyone and I have honestly earned my name in ice hockey!"

"I am not 25 years old and have proved my high level with seventeen seasons in NHL. I am not going to prove anything anymore."

"If there is a place for me in the reserves only I regard it as a spit in my face. I wanted to play for the national team very much but unfortunately I will not."

"I want to apologize to our supporters. I think they will understand me. And I wish good luck to our guys in Vancouver."

… In November Zubov was capped to Novogorsk before the Carjala Cup but he did not arrive to the national team referring to the injury. Moreover he did not phone personally the coaches and thus caused discontent of Vyacheslav Bykov and Igor Zakharkin.

Then Zubov was not called up for the Moscow First Channel Cup held in December and many people thought that happened due to non-hockey reasons.

As a result the widely known veteran did not get to the national squad – the list of 23 for the Olympics. According to recent information Zubov and other five players constitute the list of the main reserves and are to go to Vancouver on 11 February.

The head coach of the Russian team Vyacheslav Bykov was very much disappointed with the statement of the defender.

"To tell you the truth I do not really want to comment on Zubov’s statement," sighed the coach of Salavat Yulaev. "There are only three weeks left till the start of the main tournament of the four years and we do not need scandals now."

"The national team needs something different – unity, support and interest. So after all we know the position of Zubov now and we are going further."

"I was obviously shocked with his words. For if we did not reckon upon this master we would not have included him on the list."

"There will be no sanctions! We said in advance that those people who wish and dream of playing for the national team would go to Vancouver as subs. And those fro whom squad and Olympics are not on the first place would have the right to decline. Everything gets what he wants."

"This list of reserves is not official yet. It will so to say come into force on 1 February only when we introduce it into the Russian Olympic Committee."

"And I repeat there will be no forced people on the list. From this standpoint it is not so dramatic that one player refused – despite the form he chose."

"The most unpleasant thing in this situation is that Sergey has not got in touch with us during the time he is playing in Russia. We tried to contact him, invited for one stage of the Eurotour but we did not get an answer."

"And now I think he could have solved his problems without the press. He could have phoned one of the coaches, explained the situation. But that never happened. I do not think the national team deserves such attitude."

LECAVALIER: I WAS EAGER TO PLAY AT HOME OLYMPICS

One of the best Canadian centres, leader of Tampa Bay Lightning and former forward of Ak Bars, Vincent Lecavalier gave an interview to russian sport press.


It’s not a secret that this season is not the best one in career of the Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier. Thirteen goals in 49 matches is not the best result for the top-scorer, however only pessimistic people could imagine that this forward would stay out of the Olympic Games roster.

Right after Tampa’s recent crushing defeat to Rangers, Ak Bars ex-player agreed to talk about this unpleasant theme.

"It’s pleasant that Russian fans were upset that I was not included into Canada’s “23-men list”, it means that they still remember me", said Lecavalier. "Sometimes I recall how I played in Ak Bars too, as that season was undoubtedly one of the brightest events in my career".

"Fortunately or maybe unluckily Canada has a lot of high-class players, that makes the choice of the final squad very difficult".

"Am I surprised with my absence in the national team’s roster? I would say that I am very disappointed".

"I always try to do my best and show everything I can do in every game and of course I was eager to take part in home Olympics, feel its atmosphere and our fans’ fantastic support. However the final decision has been made and I cannot change anything now".

"It’s difficult to name reasons, which influenced the coaching staff’s decision. I don’t know them and nobody explained it to me. Beginning of the season was not very successful and maybe it affected coaches’ decision not to include me to the list of players, who will defend their country’s interests at the Olympic games. Believe me that I did everything possible to deserve this invitation".

"I improved my hockey in recent month and a half, so I don’t see any significant difference between my form this season and previous one. Now I am very close to returning to my peak form".

"The start of the season is not so important, because you need to show your best closer to decisive matches. Now I need to try to keep my current form during the break in the championship and help the Lightning to earn a spot in playoffs".

"Honestly the coaches’ decision to overlook Marty St. Louis perplexed me too. To my mind Marty is the best flank forwards in NHL nowadays and one of my best teammates".

"My former partners from Ak Bars Khabibulin, Kovalev, Vyacheslav Kozlov and Zhitnik also stayed out of the national team’s roster for the Games. But in Russia, like in Canada, there are many young talented players, and it’s naturally that several veterans had to stay at home".

"However one of my ex-clubmates Ilya Kovalchuk will go to Vancouver, because this best-scorer couldn’t but went there. I wish him good luck, but only not in matches against Canadian side".

ZHAMNOV TO RETURN TO THE ICE

The Olympic champion-1992 and current general manager of Vityaz Alexey Zhamnov is set to return to professional hockey.


The 39-year-old Alexey Zhamnov plans to hold his first training session with Vityaz tomorrow.

"I am highly disappointed with the fact that we had been displayed as initiators of the ice fight with Avangard", Zhamnov underlined in an interview to sport press. "It’s wrong and I want to make people have positive point of view about Vityaz".

"To begin with, I will hold several trainings with the main team to understand my current form. After that most probably I will sign the contract with the club until the end of the season and start my career in KHL".

"If Zhamnov plays in the KHL championship, he will become the second star veteran this season, who returned to ice after long break".

ZNAROK: WE WON’T BE TOURISTS IN VANCOUVER

Head coach of HC MVD and Latvian hockey team which is Russia’s first opponent at the Olympic games Oleg Znarok gave an interview.

"Even taking into consideration tough KHL match schedule we keep in mind the coming Olympic games", said Znarok. "This competition is held once in four year and we have so little time before the Vancouver games. It is special tournament, but I cannot say that I am too nervous ahead of its start".

"Fans in Latvia wait worthy performance from their national team, as everybody understands that it’s difficult to compete with such teams as Russia and Canada. We have practically no time for preparations and moreover we have some problems with the lineup".

"Naumov didn’t play this season at all, but he deserved the trip o Vancouver by his performance in past years. We have no young goalkeeper ready to compete with Masalskis for a place in the goal".

"If I have free time, I always try to attend matches of Dynamo Riga, for example I Visited their match with Spartak in Sokolniki. Of course I watch KHL games on TV and visit Riga when HC MVD has breaks in the championship".

"Maybe my job is easier than Vyacheslav Malafeev’s one, because I know all players of the national team after I worked with them at junior and youth levels. I am aware of all players’ capabilities and know how they play in particular situations".

"After Latvia lost to Canada only in quarterfinals at the last World Championship, players’ way of thinking changed. I think we have good guys, who treat their work professionally. They will go to Vancouver not in status of tourists".

"I understand that it will be hard, since the world’s strongest nations and players will meet each other in Vancouver. We will fight until the very end in all games even despite difference of players’ levels and other conditions".

"Our main weak side is absence of time for preparations for the tournament. I even don’t know who will be in the team, it’s impossible to change anyone. I have 23 players and I need to work with them no matter in which form they are".

"We are responsible for result anyway. You know that Latvia has crazy and faithful fans in good sense of these words, and we play for the country and for our supporters. We have no right to let them down. When our matches are broadcasted on TV, the whole country will stop and watch them with bated breath".

BYKOV: OVECHKIN AND KOVALCHUK COULD BLOW UP NHL!

The head coach of the Russian hockey team Vyacheslav Bykov commented on recent state of things in the national Olympic team.


This interview took place several minutes after the match Sibir vs. Salavat Yulaev, when Ufa club put an end to their three-match losing streak. It was clear that the coach was very glad with this victory.

One of the main themes of the week is injury of Russia’s third goalkeeper and Washington first-choice goalie Semyon Varlamov, who said in an interview that pain in his knee doesn’t let him normally train.

"I want to underline that national team’s coaches never put players in order of their importance", said Bykov. "We are united team, and Semyon is not the first or the third goalie, he is just a goalkeeper of the Russian national team".

"As for his state of health, of course our coaching staff is worried about it. If goalkeeper cannot return to action because of injury for so long period of time, it’s an alarm signal".

"I am planning to call Semyon to Washington soon to clear up the situation. In any case I hope that everything will be all right since we have three weeks before the Olympic games".

"I am optimistic person and I would like to tell Varlamov: "Semyon, don’t worry. Remember that we are waiting for you".

"You know our enlarge list of candidates to the Olympic roster. Alexandr Eremenko will be among other players and reservists, who will gather for the last pre-Olympic training camp on February 9".

"Alexandr Ovechkin made his 2000th shot on goals and made it much quicker than the previous record-holder of the league, and I am not surprised with this fact. Ovechkin is a real goal machine and hunter for the puck".

"Many people are concerned about situation with new contract of Ilya Kovalchuk with Atlanta, and I am sure that this question will be decided in Ilya’s favour. I have no doubts that he will chose the best variant from hockey and financial points of view".

"If Ilya joins Ovechkin, it would be a real sensation. These guys would blow up NHL! Chances of this exchange are minimal, however this variant is very interesting".

RUUTU EYES OLYMPIC GAMES

Forward of Finnish hockey team Jarkko Ruutu shares his point of view on his team’s chances t the coming Olympic Games in Vancouver.


"Finland has no fewer chances for winning medals in Vancouver than any other national team, which will go to the Olympic games", said Ruutu. "We proved the strength of our hockey school not once already".

"For example you can recall our silver medals at the Turin Games. We failed to grab the gold only because of contradictory suspension at the end of the match, when Sweden fired in decisive goal".

"Canada and Russia possess more star players in their squads, which makes them the main favourites of the coming tournament, however players’ names not always guarantee success. Everything will be decided on the ice, so we can easily include five or six teams to the group of favourites".

"Finland lost one of the main players Teemu Selanne because of broken jaw, but I have no doubts that he will be able to play hockey. Jaw is not a hand or leg, and at the worst he will play in special mask".

"It’s likely to be his last Olympic games as a player, and Selanne will do everything necessary to help the national team. For example, I would do the same thing".

"In Russia I am considered to be a player of dirty style. I would say that I am defensive player, and it’s unpleasant to play against me for others. My task is to complicate the opponents’ life by all means".

"I play according very easy rules, since my job is to make the rivals’ leaders less effective on the ice. I don’t want to inflict injuries to them, but at the same time I play roughly as I try to make them stop getting pleasure from hockey".

"I agree that Alexandr Ovechkin plays very carelessly for a guy with his talent as he risks picking an injury. Sometimes it leads to bad consequences, because in this case the opponents’ enforcers get an opportunity to reply in the same manner".

"But on the other hand it’s his style and he demonstrates all his best qualities when he destroys everything on his way. Of course this style can tell upon duration of his career, but it’s his choice. Moreover supporters are delighted by this kind of hockey".

"In any case I think that Ovechkin will be safe anyway, because enforcers don’t chase after star players in NHL nowadays".

"I heard about the ice fight in KHL match. But I am sure that KHL management won’t like it. "Some time ago mass fights on ice were normal in NHL, however they disappeared, since players risk being suspended".

TRETYAK: THE GOAL IS LIKE RED RAG FOR OVECHKIN

General manager of the Russian hockey team Vladislav Tratyak talked about current problems of the Russian hockey.


President of the Russian Hockey Union made his second trip to the North America in one month and spoke about its results to sport press.

"One of the brightest impressions from this trip is excellent form of our players in Washington", said Tretyak. "I attended away match of the Capitals against Florida on January 13 and spoke to Ovechkin and Semin".

"I was surprised that our players were in separated links in the first period of the game. Ovechkin looked lost without partner and Washington was smashed in the first period 1-4. After the break the coach put our forwards in one link and they changed the course of the game".

"Semin and Ovechkin destroyed the Panthers and it was the turn of their club to win the second period with 1-4 score. When the Russian duo plays together, Washington is absolutely different team".

"Even Canadian specialists, who I talked to, admit that our national team has the strongest attacking line. I often think that Ovechkin on the ice is like the bull, who thinks that the opponents’ goal is like the red rag. He is so aimed at attack that it’s clear that he is eager to be helpful to his team".

VARLAMOV: MY KNEE KEEPS ACHING

The goalkeeper of Washington Semyon Varlamov included into the list of 23 for the Olympics does not play since 7 December but hopes to play in Vancouver.


"My knee has not healed yet," said the goalie dismally. "I already skate and do rather serious exercises but the knee aches."

"There are no possible forecasts concerning the time I need to rehabilitation. When it stops hurting I will resume playing. I hope that can happen by the end of the week."

"Maybe they will send me to recuperate to the farm club but personally for me it would better not happen."

"God forbid me to miss out on the Olympics! I have already missed the World Championship because of the injury. And that is enough."

"I constantly keep in touch with Semyon," commented on the situation the President of the Russian ice hockey Federation Vladislav Tretyak.

"He complaints of the pains in his knee, says that he can train on the ground without problem but it hurts on the ice. Nevertheless Varlamov thinks that in five-six days he will return to the game and to my mind it is possible."

"I do not think it is right to start panicking and speaking that in Vancouver the team will have to do without Semyon."

"Next week he will take up full trainings. Taking advantage of this possibility I want to thank the management of Washington. The other goalie of the Capitals – Jose Theodore – has some games amiss recently but in such conditions the coaches decided to spare Varlamov, secure his health and do not make him play in pain."

"I repeat that by the Olympics Varlamov should recover. I will hope that none of the players in the national team will have any problems in the nearest future."

RAMO: CHANGE OF PLACES IS VERY USEFUL FOR GOALIES

Avangard Finnish goalkeeper Karri Ramo has been voted the first-choice goalie of the Jagr’s Team at the coming All-Star Match..


Smiling Finnin goalkeeper became one of the main break-through of the second season of the Kontinental Hockey League. Ahead of the season many hockey experts didn’t believe in Ramo, however his performance impressed everyone. So when hockey fans were choosing the starting lineup of the Jagr’s Team at the All Stars Match, Ramo was beyond comparison.

"Thanks to supporters’ votes I will go to the All Stars Game weekend", Ramo told sport press. "I will play at the new arena in Minsk, which is said to resemble home arena of Minnesota".

"And I can also congratulate Finnish players of Dynamo with their move to the new hockey palace. When we played against them away in September, we had to play at old arena, which was similar to the Finnish skating rink where I used to train and play hockey when I was in junior team".

"It’s useful to search for something new at my age and I always need emotional boost from change of places. When you come to another city, walk along its streets and see interesting places and then come to the ice without any signs of tiredness. This relaxation is very important for goalkeepers".

"Level of Russian hockey is very high, almost of NHL level. Atmosphere in Omsk resembled me Canada. The city is far from big cities and one of the most popular entertaining is Avangard home matches. The full stands and supporters, who perfectly understand hockey".

"All opponents create almost equal kind of problems to goalkeepers, but the grands from the Eastern Conference are more difficult. I was very impressed by Ufa’s Salavat Yulaev and it’s good that my partners warned me before our head-to-head clash that I would be ready for super aggressiveness. That match is likely the most difficult for me in Russia".

"I was eager to play hockey and be number one goalkeeper in a strong team, and Avangard managers promised me it during our negotiations".

"It’s painful to be the third-choice goalkeeper in your team at my age. I wouldn’t say that I was weaker than American goalies in Tampa, but coaches trusted me less because my nationality or European playing style".

"I didn’t want to sign new contract with the Lightning, and everything else was not so important. Moreover other Finnish players told me a lot of interesting tings about Russian league and Omsk club".

OVECHKIN: I AM SPEEDING UP TO THE OLYMPICS

The captain of Washington Alexandr Ovechkin got five points in the match against Toronto setting his personal record with four assists per game.


The first five goals of Washington were scored with the participation of the Russian Ovechkin. Nothing of the kind happened in his career before…. At least for two years.

That time he scored four goals and made an assist in the match against Boston in March 2008. Moreover he had five points in a match twice before 2008. But four assists is his individual NHL record.

The victory over Toronto brought the Capitals to the second spot in the Conference and approached Ovechkin to the statistic leaders of the League.

"We were lucky several times," commented Ovechkin the game. "It is good that it happened five times when I was on the ice. Today we played more aggressively and that evidently did the work."

"The coach said that after the first goal he felt that I would do something special. But I felt nothing extraordinary, I always feel the same every match."

"Four assists are my personal record. I have never been a great assistant but now I have become one."

"Actually when you score the goal yourself you feel better but four assists are also good and it is equal in general."

"I think I am speeding up to the Olympics. It is high time. Sometimes thoughts about the Vancouver appear though it seems early to think about it."

"The most difficult opponent at the Olympics will be Russia. If we do not wind up ourselves too much everything will be ok."

EPACHINTSEV: NO CLAIMS TO DYNAMO

Vadim Epachintsev became one of the most sensational exchanges of the season when he swapped Dynamo Moscow for Atlant.


"No doubt I am happy to move to Atlant", said Epachintsev to sport press. "I have already played in the Moscow region club and I know that it is very popular among hockey supporters".

"I moved from CSKA to Dynamo with my friend Oleg Saprykin and we hoped that we would be in group of leaders in the team, get more time on powerplay. Thanks to Sergey Kotov we felt that he trusted us, but unfortunately the club’s results were not satisfying at the beginning of the season and he had to leave".

"When Khomutov headed Dynamo, Oleg and I had little time on powerplay, but I have no claims to the head coach".

MALKIN: WANT KOVALCHUK AND AFINOGENOV IN LINE WITH ME

One of the leaders of the Russian Olympic national squad, MVP of the NHL play-offs last year Evgeniy Malkin cannot score for Pittsburg for eight consecutive matches.


In January of the previous season Pittsburg was in the middle of the NHL table and supporters did not have any certainty that the team would advance to the play-offs. But the performance of Evgeniy Malkin was on the contrary superb.

He was the leader in top scorers race, claimed many titles and won two of three most prestigious trophies at the end of the year – top scorer of the League and MVP of the play-offs.

This season the situation is the opposite. The team is in the leaders while the Russian star is somewhere at the bottom of the third dozen in the best players’ race.

Many people think it is the worst season for Evgeniy in NHL. Probably he spares himself for the Olympics?

"I cannot say I doubted a lot that I cannot be in the roster for the Olympics," said Malkin. "But I had some apprehensions till the very last moment when the list was published."

"Actually the list of 23 surprised me a bit. For example the absence in there of Kovalev and Frolov. But there are limited places in the national team and you cannot take everybody."

"The coaches are to make the choice and we can only play… and win."

"Whom I see with me in the line? At the World Championship in Moscow we played well together with Kovalchuk and on the right…. Maxim Afinogenov probably. But of course I will be pleased to play with anyone the coaches think best for the team. All our players are very good."

"The difference between small and bigger arenas is that in NHL you have to do everything faster."

"But I do not think there will be any problems with the size in Vancouver as all our players have experience of playing on small ice – either in NHL or during the Quebec World Championship."

"I see that many people are worried because of my decline in productivity. But the season is long and everybody has slowdowns. Do not worry I will be in my best form by the Olympics and hope will not let the country down."

OVECHKIN: IT WAS NORMAL EPISODE

Alexandr Ovechkin became an active participant of the conflict, which resembled recent scandalous fight on ice in Chekhov.


Tampa Bay Lightning defeated leader of their division Washington Capitals for the first time since 2007 and snatched 7-4 victory. Captain of Washington Alexandr Ovechkin didn’t bear with it and provoked the fight in the third period.

The Russian forward hit Tampa defenceman Steve Downie knee-to-knee, and has been accused of dirty hit. Downie challenged Ovechkin to fight before Washington’s Matt Bradley came to the ice from the substitutions’ bench to intervene the battle.

"We shouldn’t let such guy like Downie beat Russian best player", Bradley commented on his action.

"It was absolutely normal hockey episode, Ovechkin tried to calm down others. I was ready to fight when I saw Bradle coming to us. I am thankful to him and other players".

Traktor head coach Andrey Nazarov commented on the Tampa incident.

"Bradley acted wisely, maybe he got instructions from the head coach to intervene the fight", said Nazarov.

Referees were also challenged a little bit during this fight, and it’s the most dangerous moment in hockey. I remember that when I slightly stroke against the referee in NHL, the league suspended me for 10 matches".

Downie has rich experience of fighting with middleweighters in lower league, and he resembles Verot in this way".

Pay attention to the fact, that in Russia players begin fighting since the first minutes, while in NHL they take place closer to the end of the games when result is almost clear".

Moreover the mass fight in Tampa began on the 54th minute, before coming into effect of new NHL rule, according to which participants of fights and coaches will be fined".

GONCHAR: READY TO PLAY IN VANCOUVER

Leader of Russian Olympic team’s defence Sergey Gonchar gave an interview.


Current form of the 35-year-old veteran is out of question, as he collected 26 points in 31 games to be the best attacking defenceman of Pittsburg even despite missing more than one third of this season’s matches.

"I was pleased to see my name in Russia’s Olympic squad", said Gonchar. "Playing for your national team is a great honour, especially at this prestigious competition".

"We have a good team and goal medal is the only thing I expect from our trip to Vamcouver".

"I played with Andrey Markov at the World Championships in Moscow and I think we cooperated well. Though I don’t know who will be my partner this time, I am ready to play with everyone".

"There will be a lot of strong teams in Vancouver, and I can’t say that one team stands out more than others. We will need to perfectly prepare for all games, because Olympic competition is rather short and any little mistake could provoke a failure".

ZAKHARKIN: PLAYERS MAKE THEIR PROPOSALS ABOUT SQUAD

One of the coaches of the Russian ice hockey national team Igor Zakharkin commented on the interview of Evgeniy Malkin to sport press.


"It is wonderful that Evgeniy proposes his own alternative for the offensive line and is so eager before the Olympics," said Zakharkin.

"Obviously he remembers how well he performed with Kovalchuk at the Worlds in Moscow three years ago. And supporters remember it as well s coaches. We will not leave it unnoticed."

"Actually Malkin is not the only one who is rather creative. Others also give their combinational options. Such discussions are a part of our coaching conception."

"Before Vancouver we will gather all the players and tell them everything about the combinations, possible changes throughout the tournament. Unfortunately at the moment this information is closed."

OVECHKIN: I AM READY TO BE THE CAPTAIN

Two Russian NHL star forwards Alexandr Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk gave interviews to sport press.


Alexandr Ovechkin debuted in the role of Washington captain not long ago, while Ilya Kovalchuk has been fulfilling these duties for a long time. Yesterday two captains met each other on the ice, and Washington crushed Atlanta away 8-1.

Players were very happy when I announced the news of Ovechkin’s appointment as the captain in the morning, said Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau after the home game with Montreal.

"Three years ago journalists offered me to become the captain, but I said that I was not ready for it", said Alexandr Ovechkin. "At that time I lacked experience and didn’t know English well".

"I was notified in advance that I would be the captain. The coach just said that we need time to let everybody calm down after Clark’s exchange".

"I said that if the team agrees, I am ready to be the captain. The main thing for me is my partners’ respect. People should know that not only coaches, but the whole team trust me".

"Previously I was the captain in junior national team, when we lost and I picked an injury. If I am not mistaken it was in 2003".

"The head coach of Russian youth team Vladimir Plyuschev blamed the captain Nikita Filatov in the team’s failure. I don’t think that one player can really influence results of the game".

"Of course if you are the captain, you take responsibility, but it’s not necessary to shift the blame to Filatov. Maybe he was pressed, and maybe the fact that he is leader affected their opponents. We came across similar situation, when two players attack leader of the opposite team, and inexperienced player doesn’t know how to cope with them".

"To my mind Alexandr wanted to be the captain and he will surely cope with his new role", said Ilya Kovalchuk. "He fully deserved this honour, I even think that he should have been appointed the captain long time ago".

"Maybe he had some problems with foreign language or something else, but I know that now he feels more comfortable".

"I wish him good luck. I hope his Washington will achieve more success with the captain Alexandr Ovechkin".

KULYASH MOVED TO AVANGARD OMSK

HC CSKA exchanged defenseman Denis Kulyash to Avangard to acquire Filipp Metlyuk and Evgeniy Kurbatov.


"Sergey Nemchinov said that he needs younger player, while I am considered a veteran at 26", said Kulyash. "But I have no grudges to CSKA. I will remember that I became a real hockey player in this team and found many friends there. It’s a pity that I didn’t manage to win medals with CSKA, but I will try to do it with Avangard".

"I am ashamed with years spent in CSKA. I think I did everything possible to help the team play as good as possible. I believe that club management doesn’t have any claims to my work".

Sergey Nemchinov also commented on Kulyash’s move to CSKA yesterday.

"It’s not a secret that Kulyash is attacking defenseman, while we need defenseman, who is concentrated on defence", said CSKA head coach. "We think that Filipp Metlyuk fully corresponds to our requirements".

"He is an experienced player, who won the Russian medals twice with Lada. That is why we exchanged Kulyash to Avangard".

"Metlyuk will debut in CSKA in the next match in St. Petersburg".

HUDLER: KHL IS VERY DIFFICULT LEAGUE

Leader of HC Dynamo Jiri Hudler answered sport press questions after the match against Spartak on Saturday.


Jiri Hudler, who sensationally slipped out of the national team’s Olympic roster, didn’t shine on Saturday evening when Spartak grabbed a shootout victory over Dynamo 4-3.

"KHL is very difficult league and we can’t play without mistakes all the time", said Hudler. "It’s necessary to understand that I am not a machine which scores goals and which must do it in all games".

"I came here to play hockey, but not with the thought to score 30 goals in one season".

"Spartak is not the easiest opponent, but I think that we begin to create a real team. Players got used to each other and understood Khomutov’s requirements. I think his coaching system begins to work".

NAZAROV COMMENTED ON THE ICE BATTLE

HC Traktor head coach Andrey Nazarov commented on the scandalous fight on ice between Vityaz and Avangard players.


"To be honest I a not interested in statistics of penalties now", Nazarov said. "Traktor’s results are very poor, and first of all I am occupied with thoughts how to improve the situation ahead of playoffs".

"To my mind the key factor was difference between Russian and North American hockey psychologies. For example, in Russia violation of red line during pre-match warming-up is not considered as a crime, while it is a real challenge fore Canadians. They don’t keep themselves in control when such things happen".

"One more important moment is that NHL players exclude situations when star of the team and the whole league is challenged by the opposite team’s fighter. That is why when Verot attacked Jagr, the fight was inevitable".

SEMIN: SATISFIED WITH THE CONTRACT

The forward of Washington and the Olympic Russian national team Alexandr Semin spoke to sport press.


The Russian hockey player signed a new one-year long contract with the Capitals before the New Year for 6 million USD and stopped or at least postponed for one more year the talks about his possible exchange.

"I am fully satisfied with the terms of the contract," said Semin to sport press. "My agent and I were considering other options as well but thought that one-year is an optimal period."

"We do not count on anything. I will play here for one more year and then we will see. But I will be a free agent and that is why I will have more opportunities."

"Washington proposed many different contracts for longer periods but the idea with one year was my agent’s and mine."

"Ice hockey is such a game that no team can perform smoothly through the entire season. So the current downturn is normal. And it is better that we experience it now. That means by the end of the season we will be all right."

"I am completely dissatisfied with my own performance. I lack luck altogether. There are some moments where I must 100% score but the puck would not get in. everything will improve when luck returns."

"All the Olympic national rosters were unveiled during the holidays and I can say that Canadians surprised me."

"I do not understand: Mike Green is number one among defenders in the League at the moment and he is left off the Canadian team. This means the coaches do not need such a man. The most effective defenseman and he does not go to the Olympics…I think everybody was surprised."

JAGR: DO MY BEST TO PREVENT RUSSIA-CANADA FINAL IN VANCOUVER

The most remarkable player of Avangard, forward of the Czech national team Jaromir Jagr answered questions.


Jagr was named best player in his team in the lost match to CSKA Moscow 1:3 yesterday but notwithstanding the lack of time did not refuse to speak to sport press.

"This match was the first after the New Year’s holidays," said the Czech forward. "And everything was ok except for the final result."

"I think you understand that the defeat could no please neither my team not me."

"The Vancouver-2010 will be my fourth Olympics and the first as a player of KHL. But the Games are not to start tomorrow and I do not stuff my head with the thoughts about them. I think I will have enough time to think it over, and the preparation to it."

"Notwithstanding the coming Olympics I do not play more careful. Of course I would not like to get injured but I do not avoid ruffling."

"The Czech national squad will not be favourites in Vancouver – there are stronger opponents there."

"But the future of the golden medals will be decided in one game and it is very difficult to say who will play in it. I think our team will be good and we will be able to surprise people."

"Many specialists predict the Russia-Canada final. But I have another idea – and think that a different team will play in the final, smiles Jagr. I think you understand what I mean."

"No doubt Canada and Russia have the strongest teams but I do not want to run before the hounds. By the way I will do my utmost so that the Czech squad participate in the final."

"For me the Vancouver Olympics are in no way a chance to remind about myself in NHL. I have played enough there and my last big contract I signed in Russia. However my experience of playing on small arenas should help in Vancouver."

FAILURE IN SASKATOON: PLYUSCHEV VS. FILATOV

For the first time since 2004 the Russian ice hockey junior team was left without medals at the World Hockey Junior Championship. In the quarterfinals our boys sensationally lost to Switzerland 2:3 in the overtime and then lost to Finland 3:4 in the match for the fifth place.


The head coach of the national team Vladimir Plyuschev sees the reason of this fiasco the wrong decision to appoint Nikita Filatov captain of the squad. The forward of CSKA has obviously a different point of view.

"The main reason of the failure was that I was wrong with the appointment of the captain," said Vladimir Plyuschev. "These functions are very serious, as the captain is to become an example, he should show his teammates how to behave on the ice, in the dressing rooms and outside the arena."

"We entrusted Nikita Filatov with this position, thought his experience would help play well both to his partners and him. But Nikita evidently did not understand it."

"He did not make a leader. After the match against Switzerland I entered the dressing room and apologized to the guys, admitted my mistake. Filatov did not deserve the jersey with “C” on it."

"That is why Kirill Petrov headed the team for the last match against Finns. Kirill took part in the tour around Canada and showed good display in that series. By the way he was captain that time."

"When I handed the duties over to Filatov I expected different results, different attitude. I do not need glamour on the ice. The number of points Nikita gained for the entire tournament he must have got in one period against Austria only. And he played a lot."

"Actually it was Filatov who brought in the second goal for Swiss. And after that match we decided to rotate the squad and Nikita did not appear in the starting five in the match for the fifth place."

"The question is not only about someone’s game but also about the way you prepare to it. It is impossible when you always had to repeat to an adult that he should be late for trainings. A captain should be an example to everybody and not show that all players are nothing compared to him."

"I could not say that there was some background for our failure, said the forward of CSKA Nikita Filatov. Though I spent only a week of training with the team in Novogorsk and during this time we had no trial games. That is why it is difficult to judge about the situation in the team."

"I do not want to comment in detail the way Vladimir Plyuschev reacted on the lost quarterfinal. I always thought that the coach and players are united."

"But this time Plyuschev shunned all the responsibility for the defeat and accused the players, first of all me as the captain. I do not understand how it was possible."

"After the first period in the match against Switzerland the coach said that the national team let him down altogether and started insulting particular players."

"But actually we outplayed the Swiss in the first period: in 15 minutes they only threw the puck off their zone and struck only five times."

LARIONOV: VANCOUVER – BEST CITY IN THE WORLD

The famous ice hockey player, two times Olympic champion and three times Stanley Cup winner, former forward of Vancouver Canucks, Igor Larionov told about the capital of the coming Winter Olympics.


"I always used to say that Vancouver is the best place in the world," said Larionov. "It is my favourite city. It is an awesome corner combining snowy mountains of Switzerland, beaches of Miami and New York downtown. Where else can you find such beauty?"

"I was not a bit surprised to learn that in 2005 experts of some British magazine named Vancouver best in terms of living standards. Having lived in Vancouver I felt its charm at once."

"For me it is more comfortable there than in Paris or London. Though I have never lived in these cities for a long time – only a week or so."

"And I have spent three and a half years in Vancouver. When I left Canucks I went on coming back to the city with different teams and always did it with great pleasure."

"There are so many interesting things there! For example, fifteen minutes by car and you are in the mountains. At the height of 670 meters there is Whistler – one of the best of ski resorts in North America – where lots of competition will be held during the Olympic Games."

"And what about Vancouver’s air! London, Paris and Moscow can never compete with it."

"But we always lived where it is better for our children and not in Vancouver. Firstly it was Los Angeles for my daughters were in show business."

"Then they turned to another path and as a result the elder daughter moved to Pittsburg. The younger one is still with us but she is planning to leave for Montreal or Chicago."

"And because of the son we returned to Detroit not long ago. He plays ice hockey and in this city has better prospects."

"There are no disadvantages in Vancouver… or perhaps only weather. Sometimes it can rain for three consecutive weeks and of course it is dull that time."

"During the Olympics in the mounts there will be snow. And in the city one should be prepared to anything. Though do not expect frosts. In February the temperature is usually +5+14 Cº and rains. So I advice to take an umbrella."

"But if the sun appears the city changes – it becomes so beautiful. And moreover there are no skyscrapers there. The authorities made the right decision to limit the height of the buildings, as it is better to watch mountains than constructions of cement and glass."

AFINOGENOV: GLAD TO BE IN THE NATIONAL TEAM

The 30-year old forward of Atlanta Maxim Afinogenov was the only sensation of the list of 23 disclosed by the coaching staff of the Russian national team before the Vancouver-2010.


"We were celebrating Christmas when my agent phoned and told me that I was picked up for the Olympics in Canada," said Afinogenov.

"I was very glad. Everybody started congratulating me at once at table."

"It is a pity Ilya Kovalchuk was not with us, he spent the holidays with his family in Miami. We congratulated each other after some time."

"Actually I was in the list of 50 for the national team and as anyone could become one of the 23 chosen. But I am very happy, I always wanted to participate at the Olympics and represent my country. It is an honour to me."

KOVALCHUK: BEST RUSSIAN SPORTSMAN-2009

A century of journalists voted the forward of Atlanta Thrashers Ilya Kovalchuk best sportsman in Russia this year.


He outscored Olga Zaytseva (biathlon), Alexandr Ovechkin, Evgeniy Malkin (both – ice hockey) and Dinara Safina (tennis) placed from 2 to 5 places respectively.

"For me it is a pleasant surprise to become sportsman of the year," commented on the title Kovalchuk. "In a team sport it is more difficult to win such a title."

"It would be better to call the Russian ice hockey national squad team of the year. For our victory at the World Cup was not the merit of one particular person but of the entire team."

"We keep on winning and the popularity of ice hockey increases. This is good. We are reviving past traditions, the Red Machine."

"I cannot say that I feel this popularity. When I am in Russia I try to avoid places where I can feel it. I spend most of the time with my family and friends. I have no other time for this."

"At the moment we are expecting our third baby. That is going to be a boy. I think two boys and a girl is the best combination. Whether they are to go in for sports will depend on the place where we will live. I mean at the moment when it is time to choose one."

"It can be ice hockey. Why not? I do not think this sport suits a girl… after all I am a Russian and stick to such stereotypes that ice hockey is not for girls. She swims, plays tennis a bit."

"Everybody has what he wants and needs. I have a family, and adore take my daughter to and from school. For example Ovechkin deserves his fame."

"He proves that he is a wonderful player every day on the ice. He is first of all an ice hockey player. And after all he is single and has full right to live as he lives. In a while he will build a family but now let him have fun."

"I have no problems in making people talk about me. I just never try to become the topic of talks on purpose. It is very easy to do just appearing in certain places. But I have a different lifestyle, other problems, concerns and interests."

"At the moment I live in Atlanta and I like it here. I do not think about moving somewhere and try not to make propositions. At the end of the season we will see the result."

"To my mind I should not have any problems signing new contract in my situation. If I play well all the season everything will work out."

"For me it does not matter how many Russian players there are in the team, more important is the level of their play. Though it is pleasant that Maxim and Antrop arrived to Atlanta, our journeys are merrier now. And laughter prolongs life."

"I am open to all offers. But it is too early to think about anything. I will make my decision taking into account what is best for my family. So not I alone will make this decision."