A long time ago, before last night’s embarrassing loss to the Canadian Olympic Team and before last year’s crushing Game 7 loss to the Penguins, Alex Ovechkin was a happy, carefree individual who craved attention. He’d practically do any interview asked of him and was always happy to promote himself and the Capitals to no end. It’s safe to say that Ovechkin’s expressive play over the years has even captured the hearts of a once moribund sports town and turned Washington DC into a genuine Hockeytown.

But with peaks must come valleys. And the 2010 Vancouver Olympics was a deep chasm of awful for the Russian Machine – minus one legendary moment. What did Vancouver do though? It illustrated what can happen to a 24 year old when he carries a burden too heavy for even his broad shoulders to hold.

Russian Machine only does interviews in English with Sochi Jacket and Hat on!

It has been no secret that a Gold Medal could indeed mean more to Ovechkin than a Stanley Cup. To him, it would bring honor not only to his country, but to his family that he so deeply loves. For the fiercely competitive Ovechkin, it would simply be symbolism that he’s good enough. That he’s as big of a champion as his mother, who was a two time Olympic Champion in Basketball herself.

Combine these internal pressures with a giant letdown against Team Canada, a lack of privacy that comes with being a huge celebrity, and a media horde consisting of reporters where 75% of them don’t speak your native tongue (who ask the same questions 55 different ways), sometimes frustration overflows. Really, what do we gain from terrible interviews such as this one?

My point being that while I’m disappointed by the fact that Ovechkin pulled a Randy Johnson with a cameraman and had numerous other run-ins with reporters, I’m more disappointed by the fact that he missed a golden opportunity to connect with even more fans across the globe during his time at the Olympics. But, we all must realize that Ovi’s human. And even great ones are involved with epic failure now and again.

So just know, we here at RMNB know that this was a valley. The fun-loving, toothless-smiling Ovechkin shall return. And in June we shall be writing a different story about victories and scratchy beards. So let’s give the man a break and breath for a minute. What stupid things did you do at 24? I’m sure worse than a palm to a video camera.

Russia defeated the Czech Republic 4-2 today and it was Alex Ovechkin’s “Hit Heard ‘Round Vancouver” that forced the key turnover from Jaromir Jagr. That hit in fact led to the Game Winning Goal by Evgeni Malkin and millions of mouths – across the world – left agape in wild disbelief. So obviously, after Ovechkin’s Herculean Feat, the media was quite excited to talk to the Russian Machine. They had many things to ask. Sadly, he was not as excited to speak to them, much like the rest of the Russian Team. Can you say “Is Party Now?”

Via Greg Wyshynski on Twitter:

Ovie takes about a minute of Russian questions, and blows off. Ditto Malkin. Ditto 99% of the roster.

Well RMNB’s got Ivan Kalashnikov’s brief article from the Press Conference via Sports.ru:

Alex Ovechkin – I made that hit against Jagr almost automatically. I’m glad that we were able to score in that attack. After game me and Jagr embraced – he bears no grudge against me. It’s hockey, it’s Olympics – anything may happen here. I didn’t try to play for myself. We’re a team, 23 players there and everyone is ready to play 100% in every moment.

Also, via Dmitry Chesnokov’s Twitter, we pieced together the other questions Alex answered:

Q: Why didn’t you hit Jagr so weak that he returned to the game?
Alex Ovechkin: [15 second pause] I just couldn’t. I couldn’t.
Q: Tell us about the hit.
AO: Every moment is imortant. You try to help your team and play physical, and when it happens the team wakes up.

Finally, we have a few reactions from Jaromir Jagr after the game via Dmitry’s Tweets once again.

Jagr to SovSport: “I wish I had a concussion. That way I would forget Ovechkin quicker.”
Jagr on the hit: “I felt pretty bad. I couldn’t play for some time. Without a doubt that was the key moment.”

We’ll be interested to see the North American Media’s reaction to this in the coming days. After Ovechkin completely dissed Scott Burnside a few days ago in the “Mixed Zone” – which led to this post of anger – it seems like Ovechkin is leaving himself up to a lot of criticism by ignoring some of his biggest supporters in America. Someone get Nate on the phone!

Clearly, Alex Ovechkin hasn’t had enough Big Hits in the Olympics yet. In the third period of a game that would allow the Russians to win their division over the Czech Republic, Alex Ovechkin completely laid out Jaromir Jagr which you can view in this animated gif found by Japers’ Rink. Not only that, the hit led to a 2 on 1 with Alex Semin and Evgeni Malkin. Alex Ovechkin then hustled back into the play drawing a defender, which gave Alex Semin enough room to needle a pass to Evgeni Malkin – who then managed to roof a bad angled shot past Tomas Vokoun. It gave the Russians a 3-1 lead over the Czechs at the time, and ended up being the Game Winning Goal. Russia wins 4-2. Ro-ssi-ya! Ro-ssi-ya!

Anyways, here’s what Travis Hughes of SB Nation’s Winter Olympics Blog had to say on the big hit.

Maybe Jaromir Jagr hasn’t dealt with the physical aspect of hockey much in the last two years. At the very least, he certainly didn’t look like he was ready for a Russian freight train to come rolling through his station.

CHOO CHOO!! Anyways we must extend a special thanks to the Russian Machine for letting out about 10 years of Caps Angst with that one hit. What a legendary play from a historic player. And what an appetizer for Super Sunday. Up next USA vs. Canada.

Alex Ovechkin Looking Intense (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

This is totally a secret, so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE keep this between you and me. Last Thursday night instead of staying up late to watch Team Russia lose to Team Slovakia in the Shootout (damn the bad ice thwarting Ovechkin’s last chance), I watched the movie “Whip It” with my SOULMATE Ashley on her 16 inch laptop. Sigh. So the next morning, not only did I spit out my coffee when I saw Russia lost, I started cursing when I saw our readers talking about some incredible, bone-crunching hits Alex Ovechkin laid out to Zdeno Chara, Lubos Bartecko and Pavol Demitra on Twitter. BAH totally missed it!

But because of youtube and the awesome internets, I found what I missed… And then some. So prepare yourself people. After seeing what I’m about to show you, I came to this conclusion: Alex Ovechkin is a more savage hitter in the Olympics than during the Regular Season (unless he’s angry at Evgeni Malkin). Check out a history of Ovechkin’s Olympic Sized Hits below the jump via Youtubes and Photos.

Apparently the Russian Machine was in Kill Mode Thursday Night against Slovakia. I’m assuming this man doesn’t use the “Hit Stick” in Madden judiciously.

First Ovechkin Took out Norris Trophy Winner Zdeno Chara angrily. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Second, Ovechkin lowered the Boom on Lubos Bartecko ( Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Ouch. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Lubos Bartecko Getting Destroyed Sequence Now Finished (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

And finally let’s finish JUST this game, with Ovechkin’s crazy open ice hit on Pavol Demitra. I think Pavol will keep his head up next time.

And then here is a 20 year old Alex Ovechkin absolutely leveling the gigantic tree that is Chris Chelios after Chelios tried to get dirty behind the net with the Russian Machine in the 2006 Olympics in Torino:

Crazy. Well if think we’ve missed any other awesome hits, shoot us an email or tell us on Twitter, and we’ll put it up. Let’s go Ruskies!

Malkin to center Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin on the first line for tomorrows tilt against the Czech Republic.

Earlier today, RussianHockeyFans.com broke the news that Team Russia’s First Line was getting an upgrade for tomorrow’s game against the Czech Republic. Alex Ovechkin & Alex Semin will now be centered by Evgeni Malkin. Talk about instant offense…

Yes that’s right, the Russians have now reunited the friends-turned enemies-turned friends again in Ovechkin and Malkin. Awesome. Also, RussianHockeyFans.com has the new Powerplay & Even-Strength Line Pairings for tomorrow as well:

New power play lines
According to Mikhail Zislis of Sport-Express, here are the new powerplay lines:
1. Alexander Ovechkin – Pavel Datsyuk – Evgeni Malkin, Kovalchuk – Gonchar
2. Alexander Semin – Viktor Kozlov – Alexander Radulov, Andrei Markov – Ilya Nikulin.
Ovechkin and Radulov were positioned in front of the goalie, screening him.

According to sports.ru, the new top two lines look like this:
1. Alexander Ovechkin – Evgeni Malkin – Alexander Semin, Sergei Gonchar – Fedor Tyutin.
2. Ilya Kovalchuk – Pavel Datsyuk – Maxim Afinogenov, Konstantin Korneev – Denis Grebeshkov.
The other two lines remain the same:
3. Alexei Morozov – Sergei Zinoviev – Danis Zaripov, Ilya Nikulin – Andrei Markov.
4. Viktor Kozlov – Sergei Fedorov – Alexander Radulov, Dmitriy Kalinin – Anton Volchenkov.
Evgeny Nabokov will start in Goal

And don’t worry, nothing’s changed on the PK. Viktor Kozlov is still one of the forwards. Man, if that’s not a chink in the armor, I don’t know what is.

Anyways, a few hours ago, Ovechkin discussed Evgeni Malkin moving to the first line with Soviet Sport’s V. Slavin. And RMNB has the translation first. Check it out:

V. Slavin – Why are you playing with Malkin instead Datsyuk?
AO – I think, with Malkin our line will get more force and speed.

VS – When was the last time you played on the same line as Malkin?
AO – In Torino Olympics – against Canada and in the World Championship in Riga.

VS – How do you interact with Evgeni?
AO – All right. The main thing is not to be obsessed with finding each other on ice. Play like you can. Play your game. If you’re trying to play for someone else, and try something special, you’ll get nothing in return.

VS – Earlier in the Olympics, you played on the point for the Powerplay. Today in practice you were in the paint. What do you think about your new role?
AO – How’s it new? Every time I play for Russia I play in the paint. That’s why it’s no problem.

Colossus sez, "Organic steel is not silver, tovarisch!"

We’ve decided there’s not enough saturation of opinion on the Internet.  Nay– the tubes are too filled with cold, hard fact; intelligent analysis; and sober discussion.  To fix this dire problem, the staff at Russian Machine Never Breaks gathered in its subterranean bunker (27 floors beneath The Greene Turtle in Frederick, Maryland) and put together their predictions for the 2010 Olympic Hockey tournament.  And if you were expecting us to be in the tank for Mother Russia… well, take a look for yourself.

Peter’s Picks

Gold: USA

America will win the gold largely on the strength of Ryan Miller’s head of hair. The sheer volume of the thing will traumatize any attackers. Brooks Orpik (same birthday as me!) and the Johnson’s (Erik and Jack) will stump the Russian onslaught. Kane and Langenbrunner are the bright spots on a lean offense, but it’ll be enough to get ahead. I might be high on jingoistic fumes, but I think this team could be a bona fide winner. Stats and rational thought be damned.

Silver: Russia

This is seriously the scariest damn roster I’ve ever seen. Can’t wait to see Federov and Kozlov reunited with Ovechkin. Can’t wait to see Malkin and Semin embracing each other after a perfectly executed timing play. Zubov, Volchenkov, and Gonchar on D? Forget about it. The Russians are a lock for the silver medal, but unfortunately their raw talent cannot overcome the stars’n'stripes-colored blinders I’m wearing for these predictions.

Bronze: Sweden

I watched Sweden take the gold at Turin, and I thought, “for the dark horse, they’re awfully blond.” They’ve got a pair of Sedins, a Forsberg, a Lidstrom, and that damned Lundqvist. Forsberg aside, those are all world-class players. But I have to keep Sweden out of the most precious of medals, mostly because they made the error of putting Nicklas Backstom with the dregs on the 4th line. Our beloved center may be seeing less than 10 minutes of ice time a game down there. At least he’ll be rested for March!

Ian’s Picks

Gold: Russia

When you’ve got proven goal scorers like Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin, Ilya Kovalchuk & Evgeni Malkin on the team, that’s one thing. But when your team’s best player is spewing intense quotes like this: “If we’ll play the way we want, the way we can, the way we must, no one will be able to beat us,” it’s hard to imagine a let down. After winning the World Championships in 2008, Alex Ovechkin will win Gold for Team Russia and make Mama Ovechkin proud. And yes, pose in weird photos with Alex Semin again. Next, trophy to add to his mantle, the Stanley Cup in June.

Silver: Sweden

Nicklas Backstrom might have been completely dissed by Mike Millbury, but I’m not gonna be that stupid. Forgot Foppa and his wonky foot issues. Sweeden’s great team defense led by Nick Lindstrom will do just enough to get into the Championship game – and then get their lunch completely eaten by a more dominant Russian Team. King Lundqvist will have to settle for a Silver Crown.

Bronze: Canada

Overcome by the intense pressure of having to win gold in their homecountry, Canada’s defense folds sans Mike Green and they settle for Bronze. The Gretzky Face during the Cauldron Fail will be replaced by the Crosby Face after he watches Ovechkin get the gold medal placed over his head on the podium. I can’t wait for the epic Bob Costas interview, where Crosby cries into his arms.

Fedor’s Picks

First of all, I will not be rooting for Russian team– despite my nationality. I hate to see the Russian idiots patriots happy. When they’re winning and they’re happy, they think that Russian hockey is okay, but it’s NOT okay. I will root, however, for Czech Republic because Fleischmann and Jagr are some of my favorites.

Gold: Sweden

Why? First, look at the numbers.

Points Per Game ranking this season Sweden: 2nd place (D.Sedin), 3rd (H.Sedin), 7th (N.Backstrom). Canada: 4th (S.Crosby), 8th (J.Thornton), 9th (P.Marleau). Russia: 1 (A. Ovechkin), 5 (A.Semin), 8 (I.Kovalchuk).

Swedes have pretty solid offensive force, don’t they? They won’t lose just because Russia and Canada are in it. Second, look at their goalies. Every top team has a big fight for the starting position, but Sweden won’t. Lundqvist already feels secure in his spot.

Third, psychological. I don’t know a hockey fans who doesn’t want to see a classic Russia vs. Canada final. But there may be a “third force” rule. Russia and especially the home team Canada are under huge pressure, but Sweden has far less. The Swedes can play merely good, low-stress hockey to reach the semifinals, and then give a two huge performances.

Fourth, stats. Just stats.

Top European teams: Russia: 9 non-NHLers Sweden: 4 Czech: 7 Slovakia: 9 Finland: 5

Silver: Canada

Yeah, Canada. They just a little bit better than other teams. They’re a huge, physical team with a huge, physical defense (even without Green). In contrast, the Russian defense has always been a weakness. Russian KHL defensemen are not used to playing 60 mins at a high tempo. KHL defensemen are weaker physically. Canadian defense will be the best defense at the Olympics, but they may have some troubles due to their goalie situation: Brodeur, Luongo, Fleury. This fight may tell on his final result.

Bronze: USA

America will perform much like Sweden, but they’ll be killed by Swedish discipline in semifinals. If these two teams would meet in a 7-game series, USA will probably win. But in a single game, the discipline of the Swedes will produce fewer mistakes. Russia will lose their concentration, get too many penalties, and will get smashed by the US in the Bronze medal game.

Daniel’s Picks

Gold: Canada

Three quality goalies in Luongo, Brodeur, and Fluery; some the best defensemen (especially when it comes to goal prevention) in the NHL led by Duncan Keith; and a very, very deep set of forwards – which, while not quite as dominant on the high end as some other teams, is still good even getting down to their 10th and 11th guys. I think the all-around quality depth at all positions will carry them through to the Gold.

Silver: Russia

It’s all about the offense, with Ovechkin, Semin, Datsyuk, Malkin, and Kovalchuk being some of the best forwards in the NHL. There is a lot of fire-power on the team – easily the most in the tournament – but the goal prevention is a slight concern (since it’s not exceptional).

Bronze: Sweden

A quality defensive crew led by Nicklas Lidstrom, and a very strong set of forwards with the Sedin brothers and Nicklas Backstrom at the top and some great depth in Daniel Alfredsson, Henrik Zetterberg, Loui Eriksson, and Peter Forsberg. They should be able to put some points on the board.

Brandon’s Picks

Gold: Canada

The Canadians have to win this. Have to. It would be humiliating for Canada to lose as the host country. So much on the line, and I can’t wait to see what Sidney Crosby can do surrounded by fellow All-Stars.

Silver: Russia

Alexander Ovechkin + Evgeni Malkin + Ilya Kovalchuk = one of the scariest lines I’ve ever seen. I’m guessing they’ll spend some quality time together on power plays. If anybody will threaten the Canadians, it’s the Russians.

Bronze: Finland

The popular choices for bronze seem to be either Sweden or the United States. I’m going to hedge my bets that goalie Miikka Kiprusoff becomes one of this tournament’s stars.

1) Sweden, 2) Russia, 3) US … but I don’t really have much of a clue

This could be awkward.  Readers, how many rides in Backstrom’s Maserati would it take to buy YOUR vote?

Alexander Semin and his sad, sad bandwagon

Ovechkin sure does love his country

Fedor, our dear Russian who never sleeps, noticed this mammoth interview between Sport Express journalist Slava Malamud and Alex Ovechkin two nights ago, which was done right before the Washington/Montreal game. This is Part II of their interview translated. You can check out Part I that we published yesterday here.

Alex Ovechkin “Lundqvist is the coolest”

Slava Malamud- What about Canada?
Alex Ovechkin – Why do I have to think about Canada? Why not the Czech Republic?

SM – Russia – Canada is the trademark of hockey. Hockey as a sport would be absolutely different without that rivalry.
AO – I don’t disagree that everyone’s dreaming about these two teams in the final. But we have a situation where to dream is to damage. We can’t dream, we must play “at this moment”. Moment by moment.

SM – Pretty Canadian ideology. By the way, Don Cherry says again and again that you have a Canadian spirit and that all his countrymates should try to become like you.
AO – I’m Russian. I’m not a Canadian.

SM – You were told that you’re a “hit-n-run” player.
AO – It was just figuratively speaking, it was a joke. I’m “shoot-n-run”…? Seriously, I don’t like this perception. Was Wayne Gretzky “hit-n-run”. Or Mario Lemieux? Or Jarome Iginla? Or Crosby? Why are all Canadians called “hit-n-run”? Let’s not make this thing simpler than it is.

SM – By the way, about Crosby. You have much more assists than him even though he’s a centerman [Ed. Note - Really he's centerBABY]. You’re one of the League Leaders in assists. But in Torino you didn’t have one. What happened?
AO – I just shoot and teammates score on the rebounds.

SM – Let’s continue about Crosby. Vancouver may be your last chance to prove that you’re better than him outright.
AO – I’ll try to do it, if God will allow us to play in the finals. But really, I want to win more than to prove something.

SM – Short tournaments often are won by the goalies. Whom are you afraid of?
AO – First of all – Brodeur. And the other Canadian – Luongo. When he played in the West i had problems with him.

SM – But others? If someone needs to depend on a goalie, they are not the favorites. Like Hasek and Czechs in 98.
AO – But why, for example, Swedes are not favorites? OK, I’ll name their goalie – Lundqvist. I know him better than others and i think he’s the coolest.

Keep reading: Ovechkin makes an Olympics Guarantee!

“We’ll think only about Gold”

SM – The Olympiad will happen in Canada. The main sport in Canada is hockey. That means that the biggest star will be the most celebrated person in the Olympics.
AO – I don’t think about that. I never think about fame.

SM – I don’t believe that. How you can avoid it in Washington? I would say you like your fame. And you like to play along with the public.
AO – I can’t play without it! I can’t hide myself from people, right? And when i come on ice I know that Washington fans loves me. Some in other cities do not.

SM – I have my doubts that you’re so philosophical-minded on the ice. People in Buffalo hate you and you don’t miss a chance to taunt the public there.
AO – It was only once, I put my hand on my ear after a goal. I don’t know I probably am affected by the public somehow. And I give something back from it. But we’re talking about my philosophy, right?

SM – From the time you became a Captain the Capitals lost only one game. Does it say anything about you? Especially right before the Vancouver Olympics?
AO – I play the same as I always did. It’s a confluence of circumstances again. Morozov will be the captain in Vancouver. But what’s the difference? Everyone understands that one mistake in the Olympics may cost you everything. You don’t have to stand up and say anything about it.

SM – In American sports, sometimes star players make a guarantee before an important game or tournament for the fans. Even a gold medal. Can you promise something?
AO – I guarantee that the Russian team will fight until the end and play hard for victory. And we won’t think about any other medals but gold.

Ovechkin scores on Matty2Fatty

Fedor saw this mammoth interview between Sport Express journalist Slava Malamud and Alex Ovechkin, which was done right before the Canadiens game last night. This is Part I of their interview translated. Part II will come tomorrow!

“My best goal was against Brodeur”

Slava Malamud – You’re still playing games in the NHL but Olympics are getting closer and closer. And very soon your friends and teammates will become rivals, rivals will become friends…
Alex Ovechkin – Yeah, pretty funny feelings. I look at the guys in the locker room and unintentionally think that we’ll play against each other soon. And we’ll play hard. And we’ll struggle against each other. Pretty strange, yes.

SM- How do you get yourself focused before the important games or tournaments?
AO – Nothing special. I go there and play. Goalies have some weird traditions, but goalies are not like the other people. But I like to listen to good music before the game. I put some good hip-hop and think about the game. But usually if you like some music, it will tune you in right. For example, it’s more fun to warm up with music than without it. That’s all.

SM – Are your feelings getting worked up? Even now, a few days before the Olympics?
AO – Sure I’m feeling that I will come to Vancouver very soon. I’ll represent my country and, obviously, I’ve been thinking about it.

SM – But what’s your thoughts? You have something to remember – Torino, Quebec…
AO – No, the last Olympiad is over. I never think about it. And not only because we didn’t have success there. We had some good games there. But why do we have to remember the past?

SM – To learn from it. For example, Pavel Datsyuk said that team was going limp psychologically after the win over Canada.
AO – I have another point of view, but it’s ok. Everyone can to have his own. I don’t want to remember it.

SM – But there were not only bad things, for example, you scored against Brodeur…
AO – Yeah, it was the best goal in my career. Number one!

SM – You put it higher than unbelievable goal against the Coyotes? Higher than pirouette goal against the Canadiens? Higher than all your hat-tricks?
AO – Sure. That was very important and then I played for my country.

SM – But do you have an ideal goal? Goal of your dreams?
AO – I don’t want to dream about an ideal goal. I will remember it better once I have scored it. But an ideal goal… how about an empty netter at the last second. It’s the easiest, and the win is guaranteed.

Keep reading:  Alexander talks smack about Canada after the jump!

The Ovechkin leap after the goal on Brodeur. Point guy in front row. POINT!

“Happiness is a win in Canada”

SM – What’s more important for you – to win in the Olympics or the Stanley Cup?
AO – Right now I have a chance to win an Olympiad and that is very important right now. What’s more important – I have no comments about it. I’m as professional as other players. We all fight for the win in every tournament.

SM – You know what it is like to win over Canada on Canadian ice. Please share your feelings.
AO – Over Canada in Canada? Especially in final! Especially in overtime! Especially trailing in the biggest part of the game! To pull out that hard win… What do you think? When I remember I have a goosebumps. This is happiness. This is unforgettable. This is what I’ll carry through the rest of my life.

SM – OK. Now imagine that this would happen in the Olympics.
AO – This would be a reason to jump off the 10th floor of a building and yell “We are the champions” falling. Life is not a waste of time after it.

SM – In my opinion, now it’s pretty clear to say that this is more important to you than the Stanley Cup.
AO – OK. Olympics and Stanley Cup are different tournaments by importance.

SM – Explain.
AO – When I play for the national team I represent all-all-all of my friends. All of my people, the whole country. When I play in Stanley Cup only 100 thousands of people root for me. I mean, root for the club, not for me personally.

SM – How would you evaluate the current Russian team?
AO – Team. I mean it’s a real team. You can’t play without it, even if you’re a superstar.

SM – Every team has its one face. And certainly it looks diferrent from the ice than from the seats on arena or TV. That’s the reason I’m asking you about it.
AO – Our main opponent is ourselves. If we’ll play the way we want, the way we can, the way we must, no one will be able to beat us.

SM – Let’s remember Quebec again. Canadians confessed that they thought you would stop coming at them so hard, but you never did. Why?
AO – There were many conditions which didn’t allow us to slow down. The main thing was that we were in good playing shape during end of the second period. We could play only three lines because of this. That was the rate required for the trailing team. Especially when emotions start overtaking you. In this situation you forget about fatigue, about the score – you’re just flying on the ice. And coaches give you a chance by playing three lines and you start to overtake the opponent. We just had a higher rate. And we overtook them. That’s first of all. And we were lucky then too…

SM – You’re telling it like it only happened once. But journalists and fans thought back then, that this is the new face of Russian team. Angry and furious. Like Ovechkin’s face where he’s on ice. [Ed Note: Or Like On Our T-shirt]
AO – Maybe. But the conditions were for us. We were more ready physically than the Canadians. It was noticable – they died at the end of the game. It’s confluence of circumstances too, isn’t it? In the first period referees gave us stupid penalties, but at the end they didn’t. It’s the circumstances as well. And I’m sure we’ll have to go through it in Vancouver, too. I think, we must ready ourselves that referees often won’t give us a chance to play our own game.

SM – Do you think NHL referees will help locals?
AO – I don’t know about locals but, understand, referees are unpredictable people and they can decide the outcome of any game. With one whistle. For example, to cancel a goal or call a bogus penalty. No one can change their decisions. And people will forget that play, but the result will be remembered. I just want to say that referees are big factor.

SM – What do you think about new rule – 1 referee from Europe + 1 referee from the NHL?
AO – I don’t think that will change anything. Someone will judge European way, someone – the North American Way, but referees will be referees.

Check back tomorrow for more translated intrigue!