Photo credit: Ian iPad

Over the offseason the Hershey Bears saw several key veterans sign elsewhere, such as future AHL Hall of Famer Keith Aucoin, 2011-12 AHL leading scorer Chris Bourque, and fan-favorite enforcer Joel Rechlicz. The team also had to deal with a peculiar problem due to the lockout: two head coaches, Mark French and new Caps bench boss Adam Oates. Capitals general manager George McPhee mandated that Hershey learn Oates’ new system, so that the organization’s minor league players could be used to it by the time NHL games started being played. All this change has seen the team scuffle to a .500 record through 34 games this season (16-16-1-1).

But now things are starting to look up. Before it was announced that the lockout had been lifted, Hershey had been getting its best goaltending of the year from Braden Holtby, who was recently named AHL player of the month for December. Stan Galiev, who had been struggling with his transition from junior hockey, is starting to look more comfortable on the ice and more worthy of his #29 prospect ranking from Hockey Prospectus. The organization also has a surplus of quality goaltenders in the ECHL knocking at the door of the AHL: Philipp Grubauer and 2012 seventh-round pick Sergey Kostenko.

On Saturday, after the Bears’ 3-1 loss to the Binghamton Senators, I asked French if this is the best he’s seen Braden Holtby play, if the sky is the limit for Riley Barber, and if Caps fans should be worried about Galiev’s early season struggles.

My full Q&A with French is below the jump.

With the lockout ending, do you think there’ll be a lot of turnover on Hershey’s roster. Are you looking forward to getting a guy like Philipp Grubauer back on the team? 

It’ll be interesting. It’ll obviously create some roster instability. I think Phillip has displayed that he can play at the American League level. At the same time we’ll be losing a darn good goalie as well.

Is this the best you’ve seen Braden Holtby play?

Probably consistently. I can think of back-to-back games in Norfolk last year where he was unbelievable. But it’s probably the most consistent I’ve seen him play over a long period of time.

Stan Galiev has been shuttled up and down this year between Reading and Hershey. Even at the beginning of the year, he told RMNB he was still getting used to playing in a new system. Have you seen a big improvement from him lately? Tonight he had a pretty strong game.

I think his game, right before we went to break, was the best game we’ve seen him play. And tonight, I really liked the intensity he played with. He’s a skilled player, but when we sent him down our message to him was “you need to play more consistently with a higher compete level.” And we wanted him to go down and try to generate a little offensive confidence. I think his two most recent games we’re seeing some results.

Should Caps fans read into the fact that the 29th rated prospect in the NHL started off so slow? Is it going to take him a few years to develop? Did playing in the QMJHL hurt him?

I think it’s a pretty big jump [from the QMJHL]. It’s a change of the system. Certainly a big change in the game. The Q is a good league, but it’s very offensive, so now we’re asking him to pay a lot of attention to different details of the game. I think the problem you have with young guys is they start thinking too much, instead of reacting instinctively. Stan, you like that he’s trying to do these things, but it probably takes away from his game. I think his game is beginning to be a little bit more defined of what he’s going to be as a pro.

How has implementing Adam Oates’ system been going? And if the NHL season starts in a few weeks, what should Caps fans expect?

Some of our success as of late… I think it takes time to implement a new system. Like I talked about with Stan, guys are trying to understand this new system, but they’re not reacting to it. We’re getting to the point where guys know it now, they know what they need to do. So I think it takes some time. I think the NHL player can maybe make the jump a little bit quicker. You know, it’s a proven system. New Jersey used it last year and went a long ways. I think there’s some really good parts. I think it’ll play really well into some of the Capitals more skilled players for sure.

What kind of upside do you see with Cameron Schilling and Mattias Sjogren? Over the next year or two, are they going to be knocking on the door at the NHL level?

Let’s start with Sjogren. We’ve seen an improvement in his game. I think he’s a checking forward. He’s a big body guy. With our team he’s been put in a checking role, and that’s where I think he transitions to at the NHL level. I think he’s more comfortable playing the North American game. With Schilling, he can skate at the NHL level right now. He’s got a real good work ethic and compete level about him. I think he’s just got to mature a little bit. He’s benefiting from his time down here and I can certainly see him as a guy that transitions to the NHL at some point.

Team USA won the World Junior Championships on Saturday. I’m not sure if you can get a guy like Riley Barber on the team this year. But what type of player do you think he is?

I’m like everybody. He kinda jumped out at me during the World Juniors. I think he’s probably going to stay in college a few more years to develop but he’s certainly a guy who can play with pace and got some real good skill to him.

Do you think Barber could grow up to be a Top 6 guy?

I’d have to see him play a little bit more but I was certainly encouraged by what I saw at the World Juniors.

Last question. When I went to Development Camp I got a lot of good reports about goaltending prospect Sergey Kostenko… about how well he played even with a bum shoulder. He told RMNB that he could barely hold his goalie stick before he got surgery. I don’t know how much tape you’ve seen of him– he recently got his first win, but are you guys excited about him as a player?

I think it was good to get him over to North America. I think with Reading especially, if there’s an NHL season, with Philipp getting moved up to the AHL, he jumps into a situation where he’s playing more. Like you, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw at Development Camp and I certainly — from what Dave Prior and Olie believe — I think he might be a good diamond in the rough.

Photo credit: Kyle Mace of Sweetest Hockey on Earth

UPDATE: Jason Guarente of the Reading Eagles reports that Galiev is expected to be reassigned to Hershey Thursday.

Early on Wednesday, the Hershey Bears assigned Stanislav Galiev — third round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft — to ECHL affiliate Reading Royals. The rookie’s demotion may come as a surprise to many – as just a couple of months ago the young Russian was rated at #29 on Hockey Prospectus Top 100 Prospects list. But to those who follow the Bears hockey regularly, the move makes sense. Since the AHL season started, Stan’s struggled to adjust his game to the pro level.

As the Bears were preparing to face the visiting St. John’s Ice Caps on Saturday, RMNB found the usually gregarious and easygoing Stan in a subdued mood. After recording just one assist in the first eight games of the season, Galiev found himself in Adam Oates’ doghouse as a healthy scratch for three of the next four games — despite scoring the game-winning shootout goal for the Bears on November 2nd. Stan talked to us about his bumpy transition away from the QJMHL, being coached by a Hall of Famer, and his search for confidence on the ice.

Stan Galiev’s bio picture with the Bears.

“It feels like there is a huge difference between playing junior hockey and pro,” Galiev said to me. “I am catching up gradually. Here everybody follows the system, everybody knows what they are supposed to do in any situation, and what everybody else is supposed to do. And there’s no getting away with stuff that you can afford to do in juniors.”

“The two things I feel the need to improve the most,” Galiev continued,” are tactical awareness, which is basically following the system, and of course, defensive play.”

Galiev, at 187 pounds, also has been adjusting to a much more physical league. This is the first time Stan has skated against grownups, and the physical play has been difficult for him. “I must keep working hard on that,” Galiev said, changing the topic to his physique. “And put some kilos on. I worked very hard on that during the summer.”

Galiev has played in North America since he was 16 years old, so it’s not surprising that the language barrier is not one of his troubles right now. Nevertheless, Stan is happy to have his fellow Russian Dmitry Orlov as a teammate. This is the first time he has had a Russian teammate since he came to North America.

“It’s really nice to have Russian guys around,” Galiev remarked. “When I was in Saint John, there were no other Russians – there was one Slovak guy [Tomas Jurko] on the team though, and I understood a bit when he spoke Slovak, and when I spoke Russian he could understand some as well. So that’s how we talked at first – in Slovako-Russian!”

With Adam Oates induction in the Hockey Hall of Fame only a couple of days away, I wondered how Stan felt about being coached by someone whose creativity and vision on the ice were legendary.

“It’s great that Adam Oates joined the coaching staff here, it’s really interesting to work with him, and everybody likes it,” a nodding Galiev said. “He was, after all, a star with the Capitals in his playing days. He helps us a lot, with great attention to details, even the tiniest ones; I think this will be a positive influence on everybody.”

Getting help and advice from a hall of famer is great – but a goose egg in the goal-scoring department a month into his first pro season is less great, especially for a youngster whose path to the NHL will depends on production. Being a healthy scratch for (at that point) two games in a row doesn’t help either.

“I am trying not to think too much about [being benched],” Galiev said. “I just need to play hockey and the goals will come. I think once it happens, it may help me become a bit more confident in myself. And not just my own confidence – hopefully the coach will start trusting me more, like in a third period of a tight game.”

Despite his struggles, Galiev, who was immediately inserted into Reading’s line-up on Wednesday, is positive things will break his way.

“Of course it is hard, but I am not going to complain,” Galiev said. “That’s what coach decided, so that’s how it should be. Maybe it’s because I made mistakes, or didn’t fully give myself to the game. But I am ready to return as soon as I am called upon.”

That’s all you can ask for.

Photo credit: Tim Stough of Sweetest Hockey on Earth

Stan is given his ring during “Night of Champions.” (Photo via sashastolemyheart)

Last year, the Saint John Sea Dogs were unstoppable. Led by Jonathan Huberdeau, Zack Phillips, Tomas Jurco, and Nathan Beaulieu — top prospects all of whom were selected in the top 35 of the 2011 NHL Draft — the Sea Dogs ripped off an insane 77-11 record capturing both the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Presidents Cup and the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup. Saint John — who joined the QMJHL as an expansion team just six years ago — became the first organization from Canada’s Maritimes region to win the most coveted prize in Junior Hockey.

The Sea Dogs new championship banners. (Photo credit: saintjohnseadogs.com)

On October 29th, the club celebrated their two titles by hosting a “Night of Champions” at Harbour Station. In front of an announced crowd of 5,888, the Sea Dogs raised their championship banners and handed out 67 rings to players and management.

Each ring, which Team president Wayne Long estimated cost the club around a thousand dollars apiece, is personalized with the player’s name and number and feature their 77-11 record on one side and their “Leave No Doubt” slogan on the other. 23 blue stones are encrusted on the top and four clear diamonds are planted on the side.

Caps prospect Stanislav Galiev — who scored 48 goals in 88 games and averaged well over a point per game during Saint John’s Championship run — was impressed with his new bling.

“They did a great job on the rings,” Galiev told RMNB. “It’s a great feeling from last year and we know how hard we worked last season to get it.”

Unfortunately, the 19-year-old Moscow native had to accept his new jewelry with a fluorescent orange cast covering his left forearm and could not play in the team’s 6-0 victory over the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. During Capitals Training Camp in September, the 2010 third round pick absorbed a hit along the boards which broke his wrist. “After I went into the boards,” Stan explained, “[my arm] started to hurt so bad. It wasn’t even that bad of a hit!”

Galiev tried to play through the pain and managed to score three goals in the Sea Dogs’ first five games. But after being examined by team doctors, the team shut him down. Stan tells RMNB that the cast comes off next Tuesday and he’s eager to play again.

Regardless, after being passed over by the Russian WJC team last December, Galiev now has something awesome that even the gold medal-winning Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dmitry Orlov can be jealous of: a championship-winning season. Maybe that’s why– as we ended our conversation– Galiev admitted he wears the ring 24/7. He might have been joking. Maybe.

While he’s healing up, at least Galiev can pass the time by blinding himself with that ring.

Photos of Stanislav Galiev’s Championship Ring

Photo credit: Stan Galiev

Photos Taken During “Night of Champions”

Photo credit: saintjohnseadogs.com

Sea Dogs goalie Jacob DeSerres & Galiev mug for the camera. (Photo via sashastolemyheart)

Video recapping the Sea Dogs’ Playoff Run Last Year

September 7, 2011 will be remembered as one of the worst days in hockey history. An airplane carrying the KHL’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team crashed just after takeoff from Tunoshna Airport, 11 miles southeast of Yaroslavl in central Russia. The team was on its way to Belarus, where they were set to begin their regular season against Dynamo Minsk.

The aircraft was an Yakovlev Yak-42, an outdated Soviet-era plane that was due to be phased out next year. In Russia the plane is known for its woeful air safety record, and just two months ago 44 people were killed when an Antonov-24 caught fire in midair before crashing in western Siberia. There have been eight fatal crashes in Russia just this year.

According to Slava Malamud of Sport Express, Kommersant, a Russian newspaper, reported Yak-Service, the airliner operating the plane, was ranked last by the European Air Safety Commission. The New York Times reported that the company, founded in 1993, was suspended for three months in 2009 by Russian authorities because of “major safety deficiencies.” The BBC reports that the aircraft broke into two pieces after hitting a radio mast before crashing into Volga river. The Times notes that eight Yak-42s have crashed over the years, killing 570.

“It was wobbling in flight, it was clear that something was wrong,” an eyewitness told the BBC. “I saw them pulling bodies to the shore, some still in their seats with seat belts on.”

There are 45 confirmed fatalities of Wednesday’s crash, including all but one player on Yaroslavl’s roster — which includes former NHLers Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Karel Rachunek, Karlis Skarastins, Josef Vasicek, and Alexander Vasyunov along with their head coach Brad McCrimmon.

“We have no team any more,” Lokomotiv spokesman Vladimir Malkov told The Times, “they all burned in the crash.”

Demitra, a three-time All-Star and Lady Byng winner, retired from international hockey in May. This video from his last game with Slovakia is poignant.

There are two known survivors of the crash — a male flight attendant and forward Alexander Galimov, who is listed in “extremely critical” condition according to Sport-Express.

The KHL’s season opener between Salavat Yulaev and Atlant was in progress when news about the tragedy broke, and was stopped after nearly 15 minutes had been played. KHL president Alexander Medvedev said the KHL season will go on as scheduled starting tomorrow.

According to RMNB’s Fedor Fedin, the mood across Russia is somber. Almost every channel on television is devoted to news of the crash, and grizzly pictures have been broadcast.

Meanwhile, reactions to the tragedy have come pouring in from the hockey community, and NHL.com has put together an extensive, though heartbreaking, collection of tweets from League players.

As for the Capitals, the catastrophe hits close to come for some players.

“I knew [Alexander Kalyanin] well, and I also know his father Igor Viktorovich well, who was a coach for Traktor,” Evengy Kuznetsov told KP Chelyabinsk. “It’s tough to talk right now. My condolences to his family.”

Former Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov told Malamud he was ”in shock” and couldn’t say anything else. Varlamov played in Lokomotiv’s organization for four years, including two with the main club.

“It’s kind of a scary moment,” said a shaken Alex Ovechkin, via The Washington Times’ Stephen Whyno. “It’s a whole national tragedy.”

Fellow Russian Stanislav Galiev who, like Ovechkin, knew some of the players on the team, was also moved.

Candles are lit in tribute of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in Prague’s Old Town Square.

“I am shocked,” Galiev said, again via Whyno. “It’s very sad.”

Whyno also reports that new Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun declined to comment on the crash, saying his best friend was on board.

“Gloomy day in DC and even worse news in Russia,” defenseman John Carlson tweeted. “Prayers to all the family/friends associated today.”

“I heard about the accident, and I can’t say anything other than what happened today is just awful,” Nicklas Backstrom told Hockeysverige.se, as translated by @Rabiesmalin, about countryman Stefan Liv. ”First, Stefan was a very good friend of mine, and then that the whole team was killed in the accident. You can say nothing bad about Stefan as a friend. He was a very happy and positive person and he always had a smile on his face. The news was awful to receive and hard to comprehend.”

The league echoed their players’ sentiments.

“Though it occurred thousands of miles away from our home arenas, this tragedy represents a catastrophic loss to the hockey world — including the NHL family, which lost so many fathers, sons, teammates and friends who at one time excelled in our League,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of all who perished.”

The same goes for us at RMNB.

Dima speaks with Igor after Saturday’s scrimmage (Photo credit: Chris Gordon)

At his third Capitals Development Camp last week, Russian defenseman Dmitry Orlov not only showed off a little bit of his well-known offensive side, but a hard-hitting, physical game as well, laying out a couple massive checks during the week. And though the soon-to-be 20 year-old has begun to adjust his game to the North American style of play, Orlov said getting used to the change in language and cultural will still take some time.

For now, Dima is heading back to his hometown of Novokuznetsk, where his training for next season will resume, before heading back to Washington in September. After the final scrimmage of camp on Saturday, RMNB’s Igor Kleyner was able to talk to Orlov, who dished on his new English teacher, his hopes for next season, and more.

"Boom!" (Photo credit: Chris Gordon)

Igor Kleyner – Now that the Dev. Camp is over, what are your impressions?

Dmitry Orlov – Well, this was my third camp, and I think for me it was the best of them all. I am leaving in a very good mood.

Igor Kleyner – Are you paying attention to what is being said about you in the media and on the internet? You have become quite a center of attention around here.

Dmitry Orlov – Yes. Of course I follow the news, obviously for now just the Russian sites. Of course it’s nice when they write about you. Nevertheless, I realize I have plenty more to learn and a lot of room for growth in order for me to make it here in the NHL.

Igor Kleyner – So the objective for this year is not to go back to Hershey?

Dmitry Orlov – Even if I go back to Hershey, I would really like to try myself in Washington this year and I am going to do everything I can to achieve that.

Igor Kleyner – But, honestly, what would be your personal preference — to stay here, be the team’s seventh defenseman, and probably spend most of the season in the press box, or go back to Hershey to play a lot of minutes every game, possibly on the team’s top defensive pair?

Dmitry Orlov – You know, frankly, I don’t know what is a better option for me. I can’t look into the future and tell you what would be better

Igor Kleyner – And if you are in Hershey, what are your plans for this year’s living arrangements? Are you still going to be roommates with Dima Kugryshev?

Dmitry Orlov – I am not sure. There is still plenty of time to take care of that.

Igor Kleyner – And where are you guys living right now?

Dmitry Orlov – We have been staying in the hotel right here, but we are leaving now. Our flight is at 5 o’clock, so we are leaving at 2:30.

Igor Kleyner – Have you managed to make any new friends among your potential future teammates?

Dmitry Orlov – Well, it’s a bit difficult for me to interact, I have to do it through Stas and Dima, but I do know a few good guys here who are in this camp for the second or third time like me and we have a good relationship.

Igor Kleyner – How is your English improving?

Dmitry Orlov – I am trying… (Smiles)

Igor Kleyner – So what is you favorite approach to studying English?

Dmitry Orlov – My agent gave me Rosetta Stone course, I read and listen to the disks. I also try to listen to what the guys around me say. Of course speaking is still very difficult for me, but I already understand some, even if it’s just a few words here and there. More and more when I listen to the explanations, I catch a few familiar words, and I then understand.

Photo credit: Chris Gordon

Over 3,000 fans packed Kettler Capitals Iceplex on Saturday, packing the Arlington, Virginia practice rink to watch the final scrimmage of Washington’s 2011 Development Camp.

In a physical, fight-filled match (you can check out photos of the day’s fights here), Group B rolled past Group A, 5-2 lead by T.J. Syner’s two goals. Karl Stollery, Reid Edmonson, and Stanislav Galiev also tallied for the winners, while Andrew Cerniwchan and Luke Lockhart scored for the losers.

Below, I recap the game in photos.

Danick Paquette looks on early in the game.

Mattias Sjogren and Cody Eakin battle for a face-off.

Group B celebrates the opening goal.

Brandon Anderson makes a save.

Caleb Herbert gets clipped up high.

Reid Edmondson makes it 2-0, Group B.

Cameron Burt congratulates Anderson after the first period.

T.J. Syner nets his first goal of the game.

Garrett Mitchell gets one back for Group A.

Jacob Gervais-Chouinard robs Cherniwchan.

And Paquette runs Gervais-Chouinard. Yeah, saw that coming.A

Caleb Herbert tries the ol’ spin move, fails.

Dmitry Orlov lays out a massive hit-check.

Dean Evason doing some coaching.

Eakin watches the action.

Luke Lockhart makes cuts Group B’s lead to one.

Two for Synder.

Stan Galiev ices the victory with the empty netter.

*Wink*

Happy Russians.

Gervais-Chouinard and Steffen Soberg talk about goalie things.

P.A. guy extraordinaire Wes Johnson addresses the crowd.

Hi, George.

Anderson speaks to the media, I focus on a screen.

RMNB’s Igor Kleyner talks with Orlov.

Sjogren answers the media’s questions.

Paquette didn’t say any outrageous things in this presser. Too bad.

Garrett Mitchell attempts to headbutt Scott Wietecha into submission. (Photo credit: Chris Gordon)

After losing the first scrimmage game, Group A turned the tables on Group B on Thursday to take the second match of Development Camp, 4-3, in the shootout.

Garrett Mitchell, David Citviarese and Danick Paquette tallied Group A’s goals in regulation, while Travis Boyd scored twice along with Reid Edmondson in Group B’s losing effort. Mitchell also added the only shootout goal.

Below, I recap the game in photos.

(All photos by Chris Gordon — Click to enlarge.)

Jacob Gervais-Chouinard warms-up before the game.

Head coach Bruce Boudreau talks to the referee.

Reid Edmondson opens the scoring.

Group A ties the game.

Adam Mitchell gets hit up high.

Andrew Cherniwchan loses his balance.

Garrett Mitchell and Scott Wietecha drop the gloves.

Group A takes a 2-1 lead.

Group A goes up by two.

Group B comes back to force a shootout.

Video of the entire shootout via YouTube user freakinandpeakin

Mattias Sjogren is stopped.

Garrett Mitchell nets the lone shootout goal.

Danick Paquette dishes out a hit along the boards.

After participating in workouts for first two days of the Capitals’ annual Development Camp, 19 of the organization’s prospects and 25 free agent invites took to the ice for the first intra-squad scrimmage of the summer on Wednesday.

Group B — wearing the red sweaters — controlled the play throughout the game at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, taking it by a score of 4-2. Caleb Herbert, Stanislav Galiev, Travis Boyd and Aaron Schmit scored for the winning team while Andrew Cherniwchan and Garrett Mitchell tallied in the losing effort.

“The thoughts were is they played hard,” Caps head coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters after the game. “I think there was a lot more physical contact than the last two development camps, at least early on for the first game. … They’ve gotten better every day, I expect them to be even better tomorrow and by Saturday I’ll be a pretty good game.”

Forward Cody Eakin, a third-round draft pick in 2009 and a veteran of three camps, attributed the style of play to the players desire to make an impression on Washington’s brass.

“They’re some big guys out here and everyone is fighting for a job, a second chance and a second look so it was pretty physical. Guys are stepping up and there wasn’t a lot of room out there.”

Below, I recap the game in photos.

(All photos by Chris Gordon — Click to enlarge)

Caleb Herbert opens the scoring

Andrew Cherniwchan ties the game from Group A

Free agent invitee Wade Epp goes down hard into the boards, leaves game with possible shoulder injury.

Taylor Stefishen gets hit hard by Dmitry Orlov, injuring his knee.

Group B celebrates Galiev’s goal

Mattias Sjogren throws his weight around.

Travis Boyd gets on the scoreboard.

Group A celebrates Garrett Mitchell’s goal.

Group B walks away victorious.

Orlov and Galiev flipped the puck from around the back of the net, from halfway up the ice, and from extreme angles. Perhaps they’re working on one of those Granlund-style lacrosse goals, or maybe Stanislav Galiev’s header (13 seconds in) is the real future of the Capitals’ offense. Either way, we’re probably looking at the future of the Caps: fun, creative, and somewhat mischievous.

Ovi’s gonna love these guys.

Stanislav Galiev celebrates his first career Memorial Cup goal (Photo: Aaron Bell/CHL Images)

By all accounts Stanislav Galiev has had a good year. On June 26, 2010, the 18-year-old Russian sniper was selected by his favorite NHL team, the Washington Capitals, in the third round of the 2010 Draft. Shortly thereafter, he attended Caps Development Camp — where he impressed many by being one of the fastest and most exciting players on the KCI ice.

After taking a short break, Galiev returned to his junior team, the Saint John Sea Dogs, in the fall. The talented Sea Dogs were coming off a 2009-10 season in which they started the campaign with a 22-game winning streak (from October 17 until December 12) and made it to the QMJHL Finals. To the surprise of no one, the squad continued its dominance in 2010-11, relying on Galiev’s play-making (37 goals, 28 assists) and the development of four potential first round picks in the upcoming 2011 NHL Entry Draft: Jonathan Huberdeau (top five), Nathan Beaulieu (top 15), Zack Phillips and Tomas Jurco.

Saint John racked up an insane 58-7-3 record in the regular season and lost just three of 19 games on the way to capturing their first QMJHL Championship in franchise history. Notably, Galiev finished in the top five of postseason scoring, notching 27 points (10 G, 17 A). The team’s winning ways have continued in the Memorial Cup, as the Sea Dogs won their first two games of the tournament and earned a bye to the finals which are set to begin Sunday.

Several Russia media members have spoke with the Caps prospect over the past week. RMNB’s Igor Kleyner and Fedor Fedin offer the translations.

First, Igor translates Slava Malamud’s article for Sport-Express, which was published before the Memorial Cup:

Slava Malamud — Is your overall impression of this season positive? Have you been able to accomplish all your goals?

Stanislav Galiev — I started scoring more. I shoot the puck more often. As a result, I get more ice time. So, it appears the goal has been achieved. I tried to work hard in every game. I was scoring at about a point per game rate. So, yes it’s been a positive season.

Slava Malamud — Alexander Radulov managed to become an idol during his time in Quebec. Have you managed to achieve the same status?

Stanislav Galiev – They treat me great at Saint John. I don’t know if I personally became an idol, but I feel how much they love their team. I was really surprised by the relationship the town has with a junior club. But it’s a small town, not much is here besides hockey. All the attention is on us. Wherever you go, they recognize you. Even the little kids come up and ask to have a picture with you. It’s great.

Slava Malamud — Is participation in the Memorial Cup really such a great honor?

Stanislav Galiev — It really does mean a lot. Especially since last year we lost in the [QMJHL's] finals and this year we set the club’s record in points and wins. To me personally it feels great that we made it to the Cup. Only a few accomplish this.

Slava Malamud — Including three Russians this season…

Stanislav Galiev — Yes, beyond myself, Maxim Kitsyn and Roma Berdnikov are also here.

Slava Malamud — Are you thinking about next season? What are your plans?

Stanislav Galiev — After this season is over, I will have a couple of weeks of rest and then it’s back to training. Dima Orlov and I are planning on coming to Washington on June 28 to start preparing for the summer training camp.

Slava Malamud — Another one of our “Washingtonians” — Evgeny Kuznetsov — will spend the next season in the KHL. Does that improve your chances of making the main team?

Stanislav Galiev — Everything depends on me. I feel very energetic.

Slava Malamud — But what if you don’t make it?

Stanislav Galiev — I cannot play in the AHL yet because of my age, so I would have to return to Saint John for another year. That would mean I have a lot to work on. Which is what I intend to do.

Slava Malamud — How did you benefit from the Canadian junior league? How is the game different there?

Stanislav Galiev — It’s difficult to compare, but I really like it here. The main objective for the players is to show themselves to the scouts and hockey is very colorful here. It’s fast and physical at the same time. Moreover, it’s all on smaller rinks, which also helps prepare yourself to the NHL. I played in the USA before, in the USHL, and I really liked the North American style. Then Saint John drafted me and I agreed. It’s easier to make an impression on scouts that way.

Slava Malamud — Did you follow Washington?

Stanislav Galiev — Yes, I was paying a lot of attention. I don’t understand why nothing worked for us against Tampa. Something was missing, but what, I don’t know. These playoffs have been surprising. I did not expect Philadelphia to lose. And Vancouver had to fight hard against Chicago.

Slava Malamud — Are you often in contact with the club?

Stanislav Galiev — Yes, the scouts come to the games all the time. We talk on the phone during the season. It feels like they are paying attention to me. I am happy about that. It seems to me that Washington is a good fit for me. The team plays a fast, attacking hockey, and that is my style.

Slava Malamud — As a kid, did you support any team in the NHL?

Stanislav Galiev — I liked Washington the most.

Slava Malamud — Of course, your childhood wasn’t that long ago.

Stanislav Galiev — Yes, during the era of Ovechkin and Semin.

Slava Malamud — When Pittsburgh drafted Malkin, he said he needed another year or two in Russia to gain muscle for the NHL. Ever since then, many Russians say the same. Have you gotten enough muscles, or not yet?

Stanislav Galiev — I think I have. I gained nine pounds during this season and I will keep going.

Slava Malamud — Did you follow the national teams this year?

Stanislav Galiev — I watched the whole WJC [World Junior Championship] and was very happy for our guys. I didn’t get to watch the adult tournament though.

Slava Malamud — Why do you think you did not make the junior team?

Stanislav Galiev — Probably because the team had a core of players that played together on various tournaments. But I was very happy for my future Washington teammates, who were among the best players of the tournament: Kuznetsov and Orlov. Both are great players with a bright future.

Slava Malamud — Looks like you can’t wait to make the most Russian team of the NHL.

Stanislav Galiev — Of course that would be great. It’s nice that they are so good to our guys in Washington.

—

Now, on to Fedor’s translation of Andrey Osadchenko’s article for Allhockey.ru, which was published during the first week of the Memorial Cup tournament.

Andrey Osadchenko — You have played in the USHL finals before. Can you draw some parallels between the two tournaments?

Stanislav Galiev — I think it’s a different level of hockey [in the Memorial Cup]. And I, myself, have changed. I was 16 then. Now I’m 19. I understand the game better. Few have won this Cup, many have not been able to qualify. Only the four best teams play here and it’s the tournament of the year for each of them.

Andrey Osadchenko — It’s interesting that in both Indiana and Saint John you were the only Russian on the roster and the team colors are similar. How would you compare these two clubs?

Stanislav Galiev — I think it’s more professional in the Quebec league. Everything’s done for the players here. You can say it’s a junior mini-NHL. I like everything here: the style of the game, the coaches who give a lot of advice and the great fans who come to every single game. You feel like a hockey player here.

I liked Indiana, of course, but there are a lot of differences. For example, there’s a huge distance between the towns. We had to spend a lot of time traveling and it just “killed” me. And the hockey is different too. It’s more mature here.

Andrey Osadchenko — I’ve heard you lived with your mother last year. Did that change this year?

Stanislav Galiev — Yes, last year I lived with my mom. This season she moved in December. Our relatives had some problems, so she left to take care of my granny and help her out. So I’ve been living with a guest family now.

Andrey Osadchenko — Did she come for the Memorial Cup?

Stanislav Galiev — No, she couldn’t. She watched the first game on TV. By the way, she didn’t miss a single game of mine this season. She watched them all on the web.

Andrey Osadchenko — In Indiana you lived with the family of the team owner. Who sheltered you in Saint John?

Stanislav Galiev — A great, middle-class family. They have two kids. Great food. So it suits me well.

Andrey Osadchenko — Who do they cheer for?

Stanislav Galiev — The Canucks and they hate the Maple Leafs.

Andrey Osadchenko — Do they struggle with following both you in the Memorial Cup and Canucks in the Stanley Cup?

Stanislav Galiev — They follow the results more. But they attend all of our games. They didn’t miss a single home game this season. Sometimes they even went on the road with us. By the way, they also came to the Memorial Cup.

Andrey Osadchenko — Have any of the players lived there before?

Stanislav Galiev — Many. For example, Chris DiDomenico and last year’s captain, Alex Grant.

Andrey Osadchenko — What can you say about Saint John? There are only 72,000 people, but it looks like many more.

Stanislav Galiev — [Smiles] It’s a quiet town. There are many beautiful places there. For example, downtown. You always have something to do in your free time. We usually go there with the team — to restaurants, shops, the movies.

Andrey Osadchenko – What do you think about Mississauga? The city’s population is 10 times bigger than population of Saint John.

Stanislav Galiev — I think Mississauga is a more interesting town. And the big city, Toronto, is just a stone’s throw away. There’s nothing like this in Saint John.

Andrey Osadchenko — How do you spend your free time during this tournament?

Stanislav Galiev — We went to the shops a couple of times, but mostly we do nothing — we rest. Today, the team’s going to the movies.

Andrey Osadchenko — Your team looks quiet and confident. You look like you know you’ll win the Cup.

Stanislav Galiev — [Laughing] Of course, we have a goal to win it all. Everybody knows it, but nobody’s nervous. Everybody knows what they can do to help and that we have a chance if we just play our game. Everybody just has fun of participating in this tournament. It’s once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Andrey Osadchenko — It’s all different for the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. The team is “locked” in the hotel, the players’ phones and laptops have been taken away and their coach is yelling all the time.

Stanislav Galiev — No, we haven’t done such a thing here. It’s difficult for me to say anything. It’s their coach and their team policy.

—

Andrey Osadchenko — What is your opinion of the hit Brayden McNabb laid Joey Hishon out with?

Stanislav Galiev — I didn’t notice it at first. But on the replay I took a closer look. I think it was an elbow. I don’t like such dirty hits. There are a lot of those in the NHL. I don’t have respect for such players.

Stan Galiev: rocking the 'hawk

Andrey Osadchenko — It’s rare to see you with a beard and a mustache. Have you grown it for a while now?

Stanislav Galiev — [Smiles] I started right after the end of the regular season. The whole team decided to do so. Some guys, including me, got a mohawk. Our captain, Mike Thomas, had dreads for the first game of the playoffs.

Andrey Osadchenko — Do you shave your mustache a special way?

Stanislav Galiev — [Laughs] No, it grows this way by itself. I’ve had it for two months. I want to shave really bad.

Andrey Osadchenko — So your first action after the end of the tournament will be shaving?

Stanislav Galiev — Yeah, I have a razor in the locker room. But I think I’ll leave the hairstyle.

Andrey Osadchenko — How did the team celebrate the QMJHL championship?

Stanislav Galiev — We stayed pretty quiet. The club president congratulated us, we went to a restaurant and then came home the next day. We didn’t want to celebrate much before the Memorial Cup. I think we still have a lot ahead of us [smiles].