4. Vladimir Petrov
Ice time finishes: Tied for 1st at th 1972 WOG, 1st at the 1974 Summit Series, 2nd at the 1972 Summit Series, 2nd at the 75/76 Super Series, 3rd at the 1972 WHC, 3rd at the 1981 WHC, 4th at the 79/80 Super Series, Tied for 5th at the 1970 WHC, 5th at the 1978 WHC, 5th at the 1979 Challenge Cup, 6th at the 1969 WHC, 6th at the 1976 WOG, 6th at the 1977 WHC, 6th at the 1979 WHC
Overall stats: 5 goals forward and 7 goals against over 56 min, 53 sec
Vladimir Petrov was such a great penalty killer over a very long period of time. In fact no other Soviet player had significant ice time finishes with as many years in between them as Petrov (1969-1981). And if I would have based my ranking solely on the eye-test I might even have ranked Petrov ahead of Mikhailov as a penalty killer with the smallest of margins. That Mikhailov had clearly stronger ice time finishes can in part be explained by that Petrov missed more time during the available tournaments (did not play at the 1976 WHC and missed time to injury at both SS 75/76 and the 1978 WHC). While I did rank Mikhailov ahead in the end the point is that the two linemates were very close to each other when it comes to penalty killing in my opinion. Outside of his great performances paired with Mikhailov, Petrov also formed a strong pairing with Makarov at the 1981 WHC and spent relatively much time with Mishakov during the 1972 Summit Series even though he mainly killed penalties with Mikhailov in that series.
One of Petrovs strongest qualities on the penalty kill was his ability to read and intercept passes during the build up of the powerplay. This quality is also an explanation for that Petrov often seemed to create many shorthanded chances offensively. Petrovs great playmaking ability also made him a strong asset when playing keep-away with the puck. Additionally Petrov was strong positionally in his own zone. His goal differential stats of 5 goals forward and 7 goals against over 55 minutes and 24 seconds is also an indication of Petrovs ability to create much offensively while still playing strong defensive hockey when on the penalty kill.
Very strong shorthanded shift from Petrov and Mishakov against Canada during the 1972 Summit Series. First a interception and goal from Petrov and then more strong play from them after the goal.
Strong shorthanded shift from Petrov and Mikhailov against Czechoslovakia at the 1978 WHC crowned with a Petrov goal at the end of the shift.
Strong shorthanded shift from Petrov where he shows his ability to read and break up attacks in the neutral zone on a number of occasions. Don't listen to the commentator who says that Vikulov broke up the first rush as it clearly was Petrov.