Are Russian forwards among the best in the World?

[NotCommitted]

Fedorov

Didn't they actually play him as a defender at times during his later years? Which is pretty crazy as we're talking about a guy who on his career best year offensively had 120 points (56 goals) 2nd only to Gretzky in scoring in the league... but less crazy when you take into account that while putting up those numbers he played strong enough defensive game to win the Selke. Amazing player.

 

[TheGoldenJet]

Didn't they actually play him as a defender at times during his later years? Which is pretty crazy as we're talking about a guy who on his career best year offensively had 120 points (56 goals) 2nd only to Gretzky in scoring in the league... but less crazy when you take into account that while putting up those numbers he played strong enough defensive game to win the Selke. Amazing player.

Yeah. Sort of wish he was traded after his second Selke, ie while still in his prime, so we could see him win more awards while being "the man" on his own team. Instead he missed a year of his prime due to a contract dispute, and then was just (arguably the main) cog in Detroits powerhouse dynasty.

 

[Ben White]

Didn't they actually play him as a defender at times during his later years? Which is pretty crazy as we're talking about a guy who on his career best year offensively had 120 points (56 goals) 2nd only to Gretzky in scoring in the league... but less crazy when you take into account that while putting up those numbers he played strong enough defensive game to win the Selke. Amazing player.

Skill wise, Fedorov was basically a pre injury Karlsson who could play anywhere on the ice and close to everywhere (at the same time lol). Karlsson's superior hockey IQ is what sets him apart and is why he'll go down as the greater player by a big margin when its all said and done.

 

[NyQuil]

Skill wise, Fedorov was basically a pre injury Karlsson who could play anywhere on the ice and close to everywhere (at the same time lol). Karlsson's superior hockey IQ is what sets him apart and is why he'll go down as the greater player by a big margin when its all said and done.

What does Karlsson have to do with anything?

You need to give it a rest bro.

 

[Caps8112]

It is silly to stereotype by nationality. There are tenacious Russians, skilled Americans and Canadians that are not the total package.

Such a stereotype-driven approach to the game. Really simplistic. Amazing that it still exists.

The question in the op literally asks you to stereotype by nationality

Im saying on average. Would also say thats why 67% of the NHL is Canadian players. It doesnt have to be a negative thing. Just an observation of years of watching hockey.

Take Kuzy for example, I would say his skill level is off the chart but his willingness to do the little things in the corners, battles is where his game lacks.

Take Kesler for example, I would say he works as hard as any other player but his skill level would be above average for an american player but really middle of the pack for a canadian player.

also why IMO Canada leaves enough players at home every Olympics that could be put together as a team and still win the Olympics.

 

[stepdad gaary]

i mean its the second best forward group next to Canada, so yeah.

 

[Machinehead]

Not always. Sometimes green. Sometimes black.

Forget that, go back to the pineapple video

 

[hagelin1381]

Yes. Russian players are so fun to watch

 

[jimmythescot]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say they're in the top ten.

 

[Boxscore]

Yes, of course they are.

 

[Fantomas]

No.

I mean yes.

 

[Hobble]

"Yes..."

- Burmistrov

 

[snipes]

They aren't among the best, they are the best.

Not a chance they are better than Canada. Not at the high end (I'll take Crosby, McDavid, Seguin, etc. over Ovi and co.), depth, or two-way play.

But yeah, they are likely 2nd.

 

[KrisLetAngry]

Great scoring talents, but not necessarily winning forwards, perhaps?
Obviously hockey is a team game, but I'm not even talking about just at the NHL level. While it's not the forward's fault that Russia lacks great depth in their defense, they don't play enough of a 2-way game to help compensate and overcome their weaknesses, regardless of their pure offensive prowess.

Datsyuk? Fedorov?

Malkin has the best imo run by a forward in the playoffs since the lockout and the Pens don't win without him.

 

[authentic]

All of the players mentioned are atleast top 5-15 forwards.

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

Yeah, their D is what is holding them back.

 

[HansonBro]

[MOD]There's only so many country's that compete well at the International level so of course they are...

 

[PlamsUnlimited]

Not always. Sometimes green. Sometimes black.

The hell kind of bananas do you get friend

I'd say #2 globally.

 

[Dod93Cityt]

The hell kind of bananas do you get friend

I'd say #2 globally.

Because they rot, then you get banana bread

 

[PlamsUnlimited]

Because they rot, then you get banana bread

But those are brown

 

[CanadienShark]

That's never been in question. They've always been the closest to Canada. The biggest issue I see with the Russians is that they have too many "star" guys on offence. Too many guys that have to be "the" guy to play to their best. That makes them lesser than the sum of their parts, imo. Still though, I'm excited to see the future of Russian hockey. Hoping to spend a week in Russia in June. Unfortunately I'll get to St. Petersburg/Moscow too late to see a KHL game. I wanted to see my favourite player growing up - Kovalchuk (or all time - Fedorov [now a GM]).

 

[Dod93Cityt]

But those are brown

 

[Brainiac]

They are score goal.

 

[Absolut]

Not a chance they are better than Canada. Not at the high end (I'll take Crosby, McDavid, Seguin, etc. over Ovi and co.), depth, or two-way play.

But yeah, they are likely 2nd.

[MOD] 'Ovi and Co.' includes Malkin, Kucherov, Tarasenko, Panarin, Radulov and Kuznetsov. Not a bad group.

 

[snipes]

This is such a dumb thread, but I'll bite. 'Ovi and Co.' includes Malkin, Kucherov, Tarasenko, Panarin, Radulov and Kuznetsov. Not a bad group.

At the top elite end Canada matches with: Crosby, McDavid, Seguin, Benn, etc. at the top. In the depth Canada adds players Marchand, Giroux, Bergeron, Carter. At the bottom depth Scheifele, Toews, Perry, Getzlaf, etc.

Top end through depth Canada is ahead, add in better two-way play across the board and Canada is ahead.

Not to say Russia doesn't have dynamic and explosive forwards themselves and of course they are among the best in the world, probably 2nd. However, they aren't ahead of Canada.