Zine said:
I don't know if he's a lock for the olympics just yet. Depending on who's injured or declines an invite, Malkin might be the 5th center behind Fedorov, Datsyuk, Yashin and Zhamnov.
Team Russia can easily convert a guy like Datsyuk or Zhamnov to the wing. Malkin is one of Russia's best players, he
will play.
Malkin is, by the way, playing and playing excellent hockey. Zhamnov has been injured and has been held pointless in the two games he has played. He isn't as good as he used to be whereas Malkin has 22 points in 22 games and is a bona fide star in the RSL. Ovechkin only had 27 points in 37 games last season. If it came down to Zhamnov and Malkin, Malkin would easily make the team over Zhamnov.
Even if Zhamnov is slightly better, Russia will elect to go with Malkin, since he is only 19. Zhamnov basically offers Team Russia an one shot deal. A 19 year old Malkin however, gives Team Russia an opportunity to rebuild for the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and possibly the 2026 Olympics.
Malkin is a lock no matter which way you slice it.