An overrated nation that is really not as good as other hockey nations.
It's why there is only 26 or so Russian players in the NHL, the Russian hockey federation like using the guise of the KHL to hide there ineptitude with good hockey players, it's why they have not signed a transfer agreement. Then the rest of the hockey world will really find out the majority of Russian players are overrated.
It's also why they have begun implementing a junior league like Canada's CHL, the majority of there young kids are no match for us and it really showed yesterday with how the Swiss beat them.
A completely overrated hockey country that is living off of a couple superstars reputations.
I usually respect your posts, but this is way way off.
There are 26 players of Russian origin in the NHL, because the majority of mid-level Russian players have realized its far easier to stay at home. Guys like Zherdev, Zinoviev, Morozov etc would all above average NHL players (Zherdev was before anybody retorts). Its also a preferable environment for some good Russian talents because the stylistics of the European game suit them more than the North American game.
This Russian team talent wise is very good. Unfortunately, outside of Filatov and Petrov (and Filatov crapped the bed), all these good talents are in their draft year. Weak coaching, poor chemistry and inability to turn talent into performance has meant they have had a poor tournament. The Russian junior style does not match up very well against a North American style, but later down the line, that individual talent they have will manifest it into success.
The MHL was created to improve the junior situation in Russia, and of course right now, they are some issues within junior hockey and development that need to be sorted out, but lets be clear here ; Russia is still producing some very good junior players.
Lets not also forget that Russia was still the better team last night. Of course Russia crapped the bed and lost, but lets not go completely overboard.