Alex Ovechkin mentally crushing you (Photo: Fotobank.ru / Getty Images)

While TJ of Alex Ovetjkin has been absolutely tearin’ up the Translation Game right now for The Olympics (check out his awesome work here), the Russian Machine has taken a more gradual approach. Unlike TJ, we prefer Fedor continue to eat meals, sleep 8 hours a day and exercise. So tonight, we present Artem Zagumennov’s interview with Alex Ovechkin after he immediately got off the plane to Vancouver. His article was published on Championat.ru yesterday morning.

Below the jump, find out about Alex Ovechkin’s SHEEP-CRET, who he partied with on the plane over & how many sticks he brought to Vancouver.

Artem Zagumennov – People greeted you here like a president. Is it unusual for you?
Alex Ovechkin – Yeah, I’m not the president, I don’t need this welcome.

AZ – Tell us, how was your flight?
AO – Good, I was with Semin and Varlamov, Backstrom and Fleischmann flew with us as well. It was fun, although most of the way I was asleep. [Ed Note: I find this hard to believe]

AZ – You came off board and are now in a party.
AO – Yes, you’re right. That’s how it should be.

AZ – It had to feel that you are definitely at the Olympics…
AO – Yes, it was immediately obvious. A lot of fans, a lot of Canadian flags, a mass of people who recognize me on the street. This is Canada, the people here are crazy about hockey.

AZ – Fleischmann already disclosed the secret that you’ll play in skates with special “speedy blades.” Is this true?
AO – No…

AZ – No?
AO – Honestly, it’s still a secret.

AZ – Did you prepare something special for the Olympics?
AO – Yeah, but you’ll see, I won’t tell.

Ovechkin's SHEEP-CRET? Russian word ovechka means (cracked out) little lamb. (Photo by Pavel Lysenkov)

AZ – In Torino you brought 19 sticks to the games. How many now?
AO – 42 (laughing). No, seriously, 24.

AZ – How’s the weather in Vancouver?
AO – It’s OK for the hockey players, we’re playing indoors, but I think for the skiers it’s not.

AZ – So you’re not amazed that it’s winter now and at the Olympiad there’s no snow?
AO – Sometimes this weather happens, and we can’t avoid it. It’s Vancouver, can you imagine what will happen in Sochi?

AZ – I guess, you’re not acclimated, your flight was short though.
AO – Yeah, sure, I’m not acclimated yet. [The flight's] hard for other guys, but not for us. All is close here and we’ll get used to Vancouver conditions soon.

AZ – Who will your roommate?
AO – Nikulin.

AZ – What were you talking about for so long with Proshkin?
AO – It’s a secret.

AZ – Have you decided how you’ll celebrate your goals?
AO – Well, you first need to score, then you celebrate. And how – this is the second question. Generally it’s better to celebrate wins, not goals.

AZ – In Canada you’re getting special attention, everyone talks and writes about Ovechkin. What do you think about it?
AO – Well, just no one has arrived yet. They have to talk about someone, they chose me.

AZ – Can you compare your feelings before Vancouver with your feelings before Torino? You were just 20 years old then, now you’re a star.
AO – Yeah, when I came to Olympics at the age of 20, I felt butterflies in my stomach. Since then, I have become more experienced. I went through World Championships, Stanley Cup playoffs. I have grown up vastly in terms of experience. My feelings are very different.

AZ – Do you feel any psychological pressure because you’re the main hope of the team and everyone is expecting incredible play by you?
AO – The main thing is expectations should be on the team, not me personally. No one here needs personal stats.

AZ – How many kilograms of muscles (Ed Note: FEDOR THIS ISN’T LBS) have you added in the last 4 years?
AO – Ugh, I don’t know, I have to take a look at the stats.

AZ – Where’s the stick you scored in Torino Olympic quarterfinal against Canada with?
AO – I don’t know, I didn’t save it. I collect sticks of other players, not my own.

AZ – You’ll live in the Olympic village together with Crosby and other Canadians. On the ice it’s a war between these countries, everyone wants a Canada-Russia final. What’s it like for you?
AO – I think, we’ll talk normally. Maybe everyone wants a war, but it’s too early to talk about it. Anyways, Olympics won’t hurt our relationships, there’s a big difference between the rink and real life.

AZ – Three games without goal heading into the Olympics, can you explain why it happened.
AO – I’m saving it up for the national team! I’ll try to end my goal drought and start to produce goals again!

During the rest of The Olympic Games, make sure you check out Alex Ovetjkin, The Washington Post’s Heavy Medal Blog & Alex Ovechkin Spotlight page (hey that’s us!), Tuvanhilbilly’s updates on Japers’ Rink, and Russian Hockey Fans everyday for all your Team Russia/Translation Needs. Until tomorrow, we say goodnight and Sweden Rules too!

Alex Ovechkin + Olympics = Happy. (Shaun Best/Reuters)

Tonight, RMNB is pleased to present our first translated interview from the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. Earlier today, Sovsport.ru caught up with Alexander Ovechkin after Team Russia’s Morning Skate and posed The Great Eight questions about one of Russia’s biggest rivals in the Olympics: The Czech Republic and their enigmatic superstar Jaromir Jagr. Many people have been overlooking the Czechs in the Olympics, but don’t lump the Russian Machine into that group.

The Czech Republic has been a huge thorn in Team Russia’s side over the past decade. They beat the Russians 1-0 in 1998′s Nagano Winter Games to win Olympic Gold behind the stellar play of Dominik Hasek. And then they kicked the Ruskies completely off the podium in the 2006 Olympics, beating Team Russia 3-0 to win Bronze in Torino.

Below the jump, RMNB’s Fedor Fedin translates the interview between Ovechkin and Sovsport. Find out how Ovi compares himself to Jagr in his prime, what the Czech’s chances are to win the Olympics and his opinion on fellow Caps Tomas Fleischmann and Michal Neuvirth .

Soviet Sport – Alexander, what do you expect from Jaromir Jagr in Vancouver?
Alexander Ovechkin – He’ll try to prove that he’s still good. He’ll relive a bit of the past.

Soviet Sport – If we’d compared the Alex Ovechkin now to the Jaromir Jagr at his best – who’s the better player?
AO – Let journalists answer that question. I’ll only say this – about 10 years ago he was a crazy forward. Do you remember when Jagr played with Lemieux? It was amazing hockey.

Soviet Sport – What do you think about Jagr’s bold promise in an interview for Soviet Sport where he told the interviewer that the Czechs will win the Olympics?
AO – Anything could happen.

Soviet Sport – Does it hurt you?
AO – No. What could he say? He’s Czech, he’ll play for his country. Could he say that they have weak team and gold will go to Russia? Never!

Soviet Sport – Russia lost to the Czech Republic in the Torino Olympiad and at the World Championships in 2006. Do you desire to get revenge?
AO – It’s long forgotten. Vancouver will absolutely be a new challenge. And we got revenge – we defeated the Czechs at 2007 World Championships in Moscow.

Soviet Sport – Don’t you think that the Czechs have worsened since the 1998 Nagano Olympics?
AO – Time doesn’t spare anyone. Leaders of the past became older.  There are new players still at hand.

Soviet Sport – What do you think about Czech #1 goalie Tomas Vokoun?
AO – He plays for Panthers in our division. He’s a good goalie.

Soviet Sport – Like Hasek?
AO – No, just a good goalie.

Soviet Sport – Have you ever played against Dominik Hasek?
AO – Yeah, he was in Detroit while I played.

Soviet Sport – How was it?
AO – I scored.

Soviet Sport – Once you came up to Vokoun [on the ice] and said: “Hey, I’ll score twice!”. And you scored!
AO – Words mean less. I have moments when I’m lucky, for example, I get rebounds. I was lucky there.

Soviet Sport – Who’s the best Czech player in the NHL?
AO – Defenseman Tomas Kaberle from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s one of their leaders. He’s reliable and an experienced player.

Soviet Sport – What can you say about the Czech players on the Caps – forward Tomas Fleischmann and goalie Michal Neuvirth?
AO – Top-level young players. Flash becomes better every year. Neuvy has been growing before our very eyes… Czechs will have a very interesting team at Vancouver. But I don’t think that they’re our only opponent in our group. The Slovaks and Latvians are not easy teams either.

First, RMNB taught you how to correctly pronounce the names of some of Team Russia’s Best Hockey Players. After the significant attention our post received, we figured our readers desired to learn more. So today, RMNB is going to teach you how to root for the Russian National Team in Vancouver with style. Yes that’s right, like a Ruskie! Take it away Fedor.

Are you fan of the Russian Hockey Team? Are you going to root for Russia in the Olympics? If you’ve answered yes to both questions, then you’ll probably be interested in the most popular fan chants in Russia and how to pronunce them. I’ve included easy and difficult chants.

“Вперёд, Россия!”
“VperYOOOd, RossIya!”
“Let’s go Russia” (Special Note: triple vowel means looong sound. CAPITAL vowel means stress.)

This is the Main chant. If you’re a little confused on how to pronounce “YO” (∏), check out our post here.

“Мы приехали, чтобы победить, чтобы победить, чтобы победить”
“MIII priiiEEEhali, chtOby pobedIt, chtOby pobedIt, chtOby pobedIt”
“We came here to win, to win, to win”

This is a pretty long and difficult chant, but let’s try it anyways! This is one of the main chants that Russians do during games. You know the song by the Beatles called “Yellow Submarine”? Russians generally sing this chant with the chrous of that song. I don’t think there’s anything too difficult to pronounce here.

“Шайбу! Шайбу!”
“ShAAAybu! ShAAAybu!”
“Puck! Puck!” [our exclaim to get the puck]

100% classic Russian hockey chant. Easiest way to support!

“Верим в команду”
“VEriiim v komAAAndu”
[We] “Believe in our team”

This song fans use when team is losing. [Ed Note: Welp, we won't be needing this one.] Best way to show your support when game isn’t going good for the team.

Lastly, we need to educate you on the flag we generally use, which is shown at the top of the post. It’s a combination of the Russian Flag, a crazed, blood-thirsty bear (which is our national symbol), and Russian Text which says “Let’s go Russia.” Soccer fans actually used this at a game between Russian and England. It was the biggest flag ever used in a sporting event.

So now you are ready to root for Team Russia! Check in tomorrow, as the writers of RMNB will share our Olympic Hockey Predictions with you. Also, check out Melissa Allen’s Ovechkin artwork below to get you in the spirit!

Melissa Allen shares her Russian Pride via this illustration.

A few days ago, I saw something on Japers Rink that might explain the Caps “lack of legs” lately:

“It seems the Canuck Nation owes a small thank you to the staff at The Loden Hotel in downtown Vancouver. When Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin was held to just three shots in the Canucks’ 3-2 win over Washington on Dec. 18, it could have had something to do with the fact the Capitals’ rookie party had gone long into the previous night in the penthouse suite of the boutique hotel overlooking Coal Harbour. Some say Ovechkin saw his first sunrise on Canada’s West Coast.” [Vancouver Sun]

Obviously this is all speculation, so who knows if this really happened. Regardless, the Russian Machine gets it. It’s the holiday season for chrissakes. You can’t tell someone that’s gone to an Andrew W.K. concert that there’s something wrong with Partying Hard. Who cares if you have a hockey game the next day? We’re in first. We can take an L or two. You got that whole time-zone thing as a convenient excuse. Nobody will ever know.

Welp, somebody found out. I guess Ovi shooting golf balls through the penthouse window at 7am naked will stir up some attention (made up, don’t believe).

Anyways, we asked friend of the blog Fedor Fedin to brave the Russian Internets and see if he could dig up anything juicy about the Rookie Dinner. Well, he did.

And so, without further ado, here is a Translated Russian interview with Semyon Varlamov dicussing the Olympics, his stellar play before his groin caught on fire and paying his way through the Caps Rookie Dinner. Take it away Fedor:

Championat.ru, Interview by Maxim Lebedev, Translated to English by Fedor Fedin

Q: Semyon, first of all, our congratulations to you on making the final Olympic roster! Were you nervous before the announcement?

A: Yeah, sure. I wasn’t 100 percent sure that I would have a place on the roster. Really, it was a real battle for the third goalie spot. The first two goalkeepers were clear: Evgeni Nabokov and Ilya Bryzgalov. I was a little nervous.. I took my chances as 50/50. It was great to see my name on the roster. I found it on the Internet. I am very happy and now it’s all about playing the next month and a half without injuries and get in my best shape for the Olympics.

Q: Let’s talk about the matches you have already played this season. Is one of these especially memorable? For example, one of your two shutouts, where you made about 40 saves.

A: I especially remember a game, in which Jose Theodore was substituted after six minutes of play. He let in 3 goals. We trailed 1 to 3. After two periods, we’re leading 4:3, but in the end of the 3rd we gave up a goal and went to a shootout. The shootout was what I remember: There were 11 or 12 rounds. Only after the 11th round, we were able to score (Chris Clark), and then [The Islanders] missed and we won this match. That was very memorable. [Ed. Note: Semyon was named first star of this game. Game notes]

Q: We observed that you were one of three stars four times in your last six attempts. Do you pay attention to these accolades?

A: Honestly, I don’t worry about it. Team victories and points in the standings are the most important to me. A personal performance is not very important. Of course, it’s pleasant when after the game, a puck is put in you hand, you sign it and throw it out to the fans. This is a nice moment, but after that I forget about it as soon as the game ends.

Q: Do you know that you are the youngest player on the Olympic team and that the second place guy is two years older than you? What do you think or does age not really matter?

A: I don’t worry about it. For me age doesn’t matter. I hadn’t put any thought into it before your question. Well, I’m young. I am one of youngest players on the Caps, and recently I had a rookies party. I was young, when I played for Hershey. I’m already accustomed to being younger than my teammates. When I played for the junior and youth teams, I was younger than guys by one or two years. So I don’t worry about it.

Q: Let’s finally talk about the rookies party you mentioned. Stanislav Chistov told me that the Ducks had very few rookies. So he was “caught”, and paid very much. The whole team had a good night, ordered expensive wines. A split occurred in three or four rookies. How did you make out?

A: I had it, too. I agree. It’s a downside for rookies, that we pay for it all. I also had big bill (Semyon laughs). It was not very nice, but I had to pay. But the party was really very fun. A rookies party happens once in a career. And I remember that party. We sat in a restaurant, had a great time. It was great.

“Hockey boom will happen in Vancouver”

Alex Ovechkin: Happy new year for all!!
Dmitri Chesnokov: How was your 2009?
AO: It was a good year. I gained experience, achieved some goals. And above all – all are safe and sound. Rest is secondary.
DC: The Year of the Tiger begins with very important event in your life – The Olympic Games. A while ago you visited Vancouver as a Capitals player. What is the situation there now?
AO: It’s a hockey town. I was amazed by how many people came to the game and events I took part in! It’s hard to imagine what it will be like for the Olympic Games. It will be a Hockey Boom there!
DC: What were the events you took part in?
AO: Signed Russian national team jerseys. The Organizing committee of Games arranged that. Yes, it’s a hockey town, but I can’t imagine how it’ll be when the Olympics will be there. Let’s wait until February.
DC: Were you excited for the Russian Olympic roster announcement?
AO: Of course. A roster spot wasn’t guaranteed for anyone. I understand the feelings of guys who didn’t find their names on the list. It happens to everyone. But no one will go to Vancouver for past services. And no one will go there for friendships with somebody (referring to Semyon Varlamov). It’s not amateur hockey. The Olympics are a very serious tournament.
DC: Why did organizers demand the roster now? And coaches will not be able to make changes as Games go…
AO: I do not deal with this issue. These are the rules by [the Olympic Game] organizers. I don’t think about it. My goal was to be on the “23 Man Roster”. I held it down. Next goal – to be in the best shape of my life for February.

“I’ll not reduce speed”

DC: “Soviet Sport” reported a few days ago that “The Hockey News” named you the second influential man in world hockey…
AO: I knew about it!
DC: Probably because you were second this year, too. Why weren’t you first?
AO: It means that I don’t deserve it. Very deserving people go ahead of me.
DC: More specifically, one man: Gary Bettman. Let’s leave him unaccounted for. He’s the NHL commissioner. What are your feelings about being the coolest player in the NHL, Alex?
AO: I’m cool?! Oh, you really are nice, guys… Let’s say it this way, I’m very glad to be on top of the list. Thanks for my dad and my mom. They brought me up right. Thanks for all the coaches that worked with me. Especially for Semenov and Bilyaletdinov, who were busy with me. Without Bilyaletdinov it would be hard to build my life. He put me on the right track.
DC: What do you think about the talks that you have to give up your power style of play. They say It’s dangerous and Alex won’t able to do so for a long time in NHL, a very hard league.
AO: Why should i have to change something that’s working? If I made some mistakes it is not a reason to ruin yourself and go back to the start. For example: you’re driving a car at full speed. You had some kind of road accident. It’s life, everything may happen. But you won’t stop driving and ride a bike, right? Or you can ride roller skates very slow. But who is interested in that?
DC: Not long ago we saw your photoshoot in glossy. You’re on the “Harley”. And you say that you’re not cool.
AO: One russian magazine asked that. All right…
DC: In another town you were photographed with a very nice girl…
AO:It was in the US. I have very good friend who occupies himself with my press relations. Probably, you know him – Arik Zakaryan, agent of figure skater Pluschenko. He organized my date with the bike…
DC: Who organized your date with the girl?
AO: Other people helped.
DC: Do not sidestep the question! Did you choose the girl for the photos?
AO: Not at all. I didn’t think too much about it. I don’t worry about what’s in the paper. Ovechkin is Ovechkin. Organic man. Why I need to copy someone?

“Mora is our captain”

DC: Your teammate on the Olympic team Ilya Kovalchuk is at a crossroads. He’s going to become a Free Agent in the summer. According to rumors he may go to DC.
AO: I doubt whether he will play for the Caps. But if it will happen, Washington will become a killing team!
DC: Can you give advice for a friend?
AO: I don’t think Ilya needs any. He’s an experienced guy. He has an alternative. He may quietly play for the rest of the season, go to the market and find a team he wants. There is no sense to advise him on this. I will be happy for him in any case. He decides a great deal. He’s the leader of his team.
DC: You’re right about Kovalchuk’s leadership. What do you think, can he become a captain of the Russian Olympic team?
AO: You should ask the coaches about it. But we have a captain – Alexey Morozov. Every one of our players is a leader in the locker room. Everyone can scold if something is wrong. In terms of it, the “C” on a jersey it’s only a formality. But it’s not right. You should deserve it. Mora deserve it, like nobody’s business.
DC: How will you see the New Year in?
AO: We’ll fly out to LA with the team. We’ll find something. We’ll decorate a New Year’s Palm, ::laughing Ovechkin::
DC: We suggest you say a humorous greeting for our readers. Imagine yourself in Santa’s role.
AO: Joking apart! Health is the first. You have nothing without it. Let’s see, how many great people died this year? It’s not important how much money you have – 100 rubles or 100 of millions. I wish you health. Robust health. And love – it’s obligatory, too. And be happy! We will be at pains for you to be so at the end of February.