"Gold more important than final against Canada"

I found this interview with Nikolai Kulemin in Russian Hockey Federation's site. My Russian is far from good, but with the help of (real) dictionary and tiny assistant of the net, I managed to (at least in some level) translate it.

Toronto’s forward Nikolai Kulemin admitted: he doesn’t know opponents’ rosters well. At the same time the player expressed his regret for his former teammate from Magnitogorsk, one of the leaders of Pittsburgh, Evgeny Malkin missing the tournament due to an injury.

-What kind of feelings you have before the Worlds?

-Only positive. We have good team, all the guys came here to fight for medals. I’m happy that I managed to extend the season. In NHL the battle for championship still continues, and so I don’t want to leave on vacation ahead of time.

- You have already acclimatized?

- Yes, I arrived already last Wednesday. I feel much better.

- You managed to get used to the big rink in a week?

- Yes, there are no problems.

- Today you practiced in group with Tarashenko and Gorovikov. Do you think you will play in this combination at the Worlds?

- It’d be better to ask the coaches about that. It’s not important with whom I play.

- Your current season in Toronto was no doubt the most successful...

Yes, many things affected that. The coaches started to trust me more, I happened to get into a good line. That’s why I started to feel more confident.

Nevertheless your team didn’t make the playoffs. Осадок остался? ( I have absolutely no idea what that means, I assume something about leaving bad feelings)

- Thanks to the good ending of the season, осадка не осталось. I hope that next season everything will be much better. We have lots of young guys who will develop.

- Will it be sad at the Worlds without Malkin?

- It’s a shame that Ženja got such a serious injury. I wish him a quick recovery.

- From our „foreign“ players, who would you like to see in the team?

- I wish everyone luck to the playoffs. But in case someone becomes available, we’ll wait them in the team.

- Have you personally someone in Slovakia to support you?

- No.

- Which opponents you could highlight?

- I haven’t seen any rosters, it will be seen there, who is strong and who isn’t. I think the level of hockey is growing around the world, so there won’t be „walk-through“ games.

- Russia-Canada would be the ideal option for final?

- Ideal would be to win the gold.

- You visisted the 4th game of the MHL final between Stalnye Lisy (Steel foxes) and Krasnaya Armiya (Red Army). Were you upset about the loss of Magnitogorsk (Stalnye Lisy)?

-No. The guys had already lost first 3 games in the series, so it was quite obvious. But even though they’re young, they played till the end.

- You were offered a visit into the locker room?

Yeah, but I didn’t went. Just stood there for a moment next to it, talked. I have still many friends there.

Russia will start the tournament with game against Germany tomorrow at 16.15 local time.

Team Slovakia for 2011 Worlds - maybe?

As per IIHF.com, this is what Slovakia's roster looks like at the moment. Like previously, changes are possible.

Goalies:
Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis Blues
Jan Lasak, Jokerit (Finland)
Peter Hamerlik, HC Ocelari Trinec (Czech)

• If Halak plays well, things can turn out pretty good for Slovakia. Lasak could in good day make some nice saves too.

Defense:
Ivan Baranka, Spartak Moscow (KHL)
Dominik Granak, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
Milan Jurcina, New York Islanders
Ivan Majesky, Skelleftea (Sweden)
Peter Podhradsky, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Michal Sersen, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL)
Richard Stehlik, Kometa Brno (Czech)
Martin Strbak, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

Forwards:
Lubos Bartecko, MODO Örnsköldsvik (Sweden)
Milan Bartovic, Bili Tygri Liberec (Czech)
Martin Cibak, Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)
Pavol Demitra, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers
Marcel Hossa, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Tomas Marcinko, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)
Ladislav Nagy, MODO Örnsköldsvik (Sweden)
Branko Radivojevic, Spartak Moscow (KHL)
Stefan Ruzicka, Spartak Moscow (KHL)
Miroslav Satan, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
Jozef Stumpel, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Tomas Surovy, Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Richard Zednik, AIK Stockholm (Sweden)

• The addition of Gaborik is huge. Especially if he actually stays healthy and can play.
• With Blackhawks out of the playoffs now Marian Hossa is in theory available. Will be interesting to see if he can or want to play.
• Satan and Marcel Hossa played well in KHL.

I think Slovakia might place 2nd in the "most players from KHL" competetion...

Team Norway for 2011 Worlds

Because Norway needs love too. And because I like them in hockey. Even without Vikingstad.

Goalies:
Pål Grotnes, Stjernen (Norway)
Lars Haugen, Manglerud Star (Norway)
Robert Hestmann, Storhamar (Norway)

Defense:
Alexander Bonsaksen, Modo (Sweden)
Brede Csiszar, Vålerenga (Norway)
Erik Follestad, Frisk Asker (Norway)
Jonas Holøs, Colorado Avalanche
Eerikki Koivu, Lørenskog (Norway)
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Modo (Sweden)
Lars Løkken Østli, Storhamar (Norway)

Forwards:
Morten Ask, Vålerenga (Norway)
Anders Bastiansen, Färjestad (Sweden)
Kristian Forsberg, Modo (Sweden)
Anders Fredriksen, Lørenskog (Norway)
Mads Hansen, Brynäs (Sweden)
Marius Holtet, Färjestad (Sweden)
Peter Lorentzen, Stavanger Oilers (Norway)
Andreas Martinsen, Lillehammer (Norway)
Ken Andre Olimb, Leksand (Sweden)
Mathis Olimb, Rockford Icehogs (AHL)
Martin Røymark, Timrå (Sweden)
Per-Åge Skrøder, Modo (Sweden)
Lars Erik Spets, Lørenskog (Norway)
Martin Laumann Ylven, Linköping (Sweden)
Mats Zuccarello Aasen, New York Rangers

• I'm bit surprised Patrick Thoresen (KHL champion this year) isn't there but maybe he didn't want to go or is injured.
• Also missing is Sondre Olden but again, I can't say whether it's because he wasn't even invited or because he's injured or something.

Source - Norges Ishockeyforbund

The Russia for 2011 Worlds

Much like in Finland's case, the goalie department fills my heart with fear. Though, Russia has been blessed with more talented forwards so that'll help a bit.

Goalies:

Konstantin Barylin, Atlant (KHL)

Vasily Koshechkin, Severstal (KHL)

Evgeny Nabokov

• Picking Nabby over Bryzgalov is currently almost mind blowing stupid but hey, maybe Bykov is still drunk from the KHL championship party
• Barylin's Atlant played in the Gagarin Cup final but lost to Ufa. Barylin's SV% in the playoffs was 92,8. Koshechkin's was 94,6% but due to a 1st round elimination he only played 6 games.

Defense:

Vitaly Atyushov, Metallurg Mg. (KHL)

Nikolai Belov, Neftekhimik (KHL)

Dennis Grebeshkov, SKA (KHL)

Dmitry Kalinin, Salavat Yulaev (KHL)

Konstantin Korneev, Ak Bars (KHL)

Dmitry Kulikov, Florida Panthers

Ilya Nikulin, Ak Bars (KHL)

Fedor Tyutin, Columbus Blue Jackets

Aleksei Emelin, Ak Bars (KHL)

• Nikulin is always dangerous, he finished the regular season with 6+35 in 49 games.
• I could think of better defenses but that shouldn't be too bad. Unless Nabby continues to be shaky...

Forwards:

Maxim Afinogenov, SKA (KHL)

Evgeny Artyukhin, SKA (KHL)

Alexander Burmistrov, Atlanta Thrashers

Konstantin Gorovikov, OHK Dinamo (KHL)

Aleksei Kaigorodov, Metallurg Mg (KHL)

Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils

Nikolai Kulemin, Toronto Maple Leafs

Aleksei Morozov, Ak Bars (KHL)

Alexander Radulov, Salavat Yulaev (KHL)

Vladimir Tarashenko, Sibir (KHL)

Aleksei Tereschenko, Ak Bars (KHL)

Danis Zaripov, Ak Bars (KHL)

Sergei Zinoviev, Salavat Yulaev (KHL)

• Obviously the offense is not as good as it could be NHL additions, but that squad has quite a lot talent and firepower in it.
• Radu and Kovy can decide the games almost by themselves, Afinogenov's skills should be known among hockey fans, as should Morozov's. Zinoviev and Zaripov aren't exactly useless with the puck either.
• It'll be interesting to see what Burmistrov and Kulemin can do. And especially what Tarashenko can do.
• Do not mess with Artyukhin. The team is otherwise so loaded with talent, of course they need a madman to balance it...

Source - Russian Hockey Federation

Team Sweden for 2011 Worlds

Like Finland, Sweden also announced their roster for the Worlds. Also like Finland, few changes are possible if certain NHL players become available.

Goalies:
Viktor Fasth, AIK (Sweden)
Anders Nilsson, Luleå (Sweden
Erik Ersberg, Salavat Yulaev (KHL)

• Ersberg played good season in KHL and won the Gagarin Cup with SV% of 93,3 in the playoffs. My guess is that he's gonna be the #1 goalie and can help Sweden a lot if can keep up with the good play.

Defense:
Nicklas Grossman, Dallas
Oliver Ekman Larsson, Phoenix
Daniel Fernholm, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
David Rundblad, Skellefteå (Sweden)
Carl Gunnarsson, Toronto
David Petrasek, Dynamo Minsk (KHL)
Staffan Kronwall, Djurgården (Sweden)
Tim Erixon, Skellefteå (Sweden)

• Sweden's defense is fairly young with 3 players born in 90's (thanks for making me feel old...) but these 3 also are quite talented. It will be interesting to see what they can do.

Forwards:
Mattias Tedenby, New Jersey
Martin Thörnberg, HV 71 (Sweden)
Tom Wandell, Dallas
Mattias Sjögren, Färjestad (Sweden)
Patrik Berglund, St Louis
Loui Eriksson, Dallas
Niklas Persson, HC Neftekhimik (KHL)
Robert Nilsson, HC Salavat Yulaev (KHL)
Jakob Silfverberg, Brynäs (Sweden)
Jimmie Ericsson, Skellefteå (Sweden)
Rickard Wallin, Färjestad (Sweden) C
Mikael Backlund, Calgary
Magnus Pääjärvi, Edmonton

• Like Ersberg, Nilsson was winning the Gagarin Cup too with 3+7 in 21 games in playoffs.
• I'm sure Leafs fans won't believe me, but Wallin had great season in Sweden and won the championship there. Jimmie Ericsson also played good playoffs with 6+5 in 18 games.
• Pääjärvi will likely be in charge for highlight tape material. I expect Loui Eriksson to do good things for Sweden too.

Source - Svenska Ishockeyförbundet

Team Finland for 2011 Worlds

The squad was released today and this is what the team will look like unless they get someone from NHL (Rinne...or some other goalie).

Goalies:
Hovinen Niko, Pelicans (Finland)
Lassila Teemu, HPK (Finland)
Vehanen Petri, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)

• Vehanen is good goalie, KHL champion from last season but his play at the last Euro Hockey tour (tournament including Finland, Russia, Sweden and Czech) didn't really impress, so his current condition is bit worrying.
• Finland has generally always had good goaltending at Worlds but this year - with no help from NHL - might be a problem. Bäkcström, Lehtonen and Kiprusoff all were available but for various reason didn't want to play.
• The media has pretty been praying that Nashville will lose in 1st round so Rinne could save the situation.

Defense:
Jaakola Topi, Luleå (Sweden)
Kukkonen Lasse, Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Lepistö Sami, Columbus Blue Jackets
Niskala Janne, Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Puistola Pasi, HV-71 (Sweden)
Salmela Anssi, New Jersey Devils
Välivaara Jyrki, JYP (Finland)
Väänänen Ossi, Jokerit (Finland)

• With defense we were bit more luckier as Lepistö and Salmela were able to come.
• Niskala was having a great season in KHL but his end of the season was not as strong as the beginning, so it will remain to see if he can turn it back.
• Overall Finland's defense is nowhere near what it used to be with Nummelin and Numminen but without further help from NHL (Timonen, Salo, Lydman) that's just something we have to live with. Personaly I would've liked to see Karalahti in the team but that's not my call)

Forwards:
Aaltonen Juhamatti, Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Granlund Mikael, HIFK (Finland, BEST TEAM EVER!)
Immonen Jarkko, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Kapanen Niko, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Koivu Mikko, Minnesota Wild
Komarov Leo, OHK Dynamo (KHL)
Lahti Janne, Jokerit (Finland)
Lajunen Jani, Blues (Finland)
Nokelainen Petteri, Jokerit (Finland)
Peltonen Ville, HIFK (Finland, BEST TEAM EVER!)
Pesonen Janne, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Pihlström Antti, JYP (Finland)
Pyörälä Mika, Frölunda (Sweden)
Ruutu Tuomo, Carolina Hurricanes

• Komarov will likely be great asset to the team. He works hard, does the dirty work in front of the net and will guarantee that even if they don't win, they will piss off the opponent.
• Peltonen and Granlund are both from the Finnish champion and played excellent playoffs: Peltonen even scored hat trick in the last game and Granlund played extremely mature during the playoffs, which is rather impressive achievement for such a young player having to deal with the pressure of 1st line.
• Kapanen is also great add to the team - I suspect the man has computer in his head instead of normal brain. His passes will be great help, if only there's someone to take an advantage of those sweet passes and scoring from them...
• Koivu & Ruutu pairing has generally meant good things for Finland, hopefully it will continue. Koivu is likely the captain and brings calmness to the team along with his goal scoring abilities. Ruutu isn't exactly helpless with scoring either and will hopefully help the team with his hard (and clean) hits.
• Aaltonen could be the wild-card

I'd say this team is not entirely hopeless but unless Vehanen doesn't improve, the goaltending alone will guarantee Finland's tournament doesn't last too long. The defense needs to be rock-solid if they dream of getting into quarterfinals and they ought to give some help to the offense too. My guess is the goal scoring will be in the hands of NHL and KHL players, with possible addition of Granlund and Peltonen, so they have to manage to score.