Rebirth of Russian Hockey?

Now, I always cheer for Russia after Canada... I don't know why - I just like the players and their style. But anyways. With all the adversity and problems this team has had already, if Russia were to some how actually play with heart this time around I think it would really be a boost to Russia's hockey program. They've dominated the Junior ranks for quite some time -but they've seriously lacked heart in most major competitions.

Does anybody else think that what has happened could actually be a boost to the Russian players who go, and that Russia could re-establish itself as Canada's rival for hockey supremecy?

 

While Russian NHLers don't seem to be interested in representing their country, Russia itself doesn't seem to have any problems developing young talent. As far as restablishing themselves as rivals to Canadian supremacy, I don't think they need to. Guys like Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, Malkin, Zherdev, Kostitsyn, etc etc would seem to indicate that there is nothing wrong over there.

 

I think Russia is currently in a transition period. Their problem right now in international competitions is many of their top players still harbour angry feelings left over from the days of the Soviet Union and the way they were treated, and really I can't blame them. Once the new wave of Russian stars are the veterans and leaders of the team, and there is no bitterness left from the days of Tihkonov and the Soviet system, things will improve for Russia.

 

They're probably developing the most skilled players, I know. That wasn't my point. I mean in major international competition.

Good point though Epsilon - and do you not think that alot of those who would be/are bitter aren't there? There are alot more young guys in there.

 

All the former Soviet countries are in transition. Russia is doing a good job of producing young stars that should compete with them down the road. Ukraine and Belarus are slowly but surely creating their own prospects, and developing them in their own back yard. My prediction is look for Belarus and Ukraine to take big strides in becoming an elite hockey country down the road...

 

They just tied Germany 3-3 and germany outshot them....

 

actually russia outshot them..

 

Germany outshot Russia, 16-8.

that's what it says on wch2004.com

 

no it was actually like 39-32 in favor of russia

 

It was a warm up game... I seriously wouldn't put too much faith in the outcome, even though I am shocked that it ended a draw, Russia will come out when the tourney begins for real... They are still too talented (even with the depleted line up) a team to lose to Germany (or even tie). I know Germany is getting better, but they aren't going to beat Russia when the chips are down IMO.

 

I don't see why people are so shocked that the Germans can play a close game against Russia. They almost took a tie out of Canada in 2002, in a game that only ended 3-2.

 

Yes, scoring two very very very very very very very very very very (insert many more "very"s) fluky goals.

 

I've always been a fan of Russian(Soviet) hockey. I have never counted them out of international games. When the talent exists it wills a way to win.