Evgeny Kuznetsov is introduced to the crowd. (Photo credit: KHL All-Star Game site)

Our all-Evgeny Kuznetsov/all-the-time policy continues with this contractually obligated recap of the 2012 KHL All-Star Game and SuperSkills competition held in Riga, Latvia, on Saturday.

Kuznetsov nearly won in both the Fastest Skater and Breakaway Challenge. He also tallied a goal and an assist for Team Fedorov in their 15-11 win over Team Ozolins during the All-Star Game.

Below the jump, we’ve recapped our favorite moments from the the KHL’s signature event.

Team Ozolins’ Mikhail Anisin Sings “O Sole Mio!”

During the SuperSkills’ competition, the KHL passed the mic off to Dynamo Moscow’s Mikhail Anisin, who performed “O Sole Mio!” Yes. This actually happened. Fedor also tells me that Anisin studied music during school and once had an hour-long concert while with Sibir at their Fanfest. The 5’5” tenor also doesn’t mind fighting and stomping on other opponents (#88 in the video).

Fastest Skater Competition

Evgeny Kuznetsov lost by 0.01 seconds to Mikelis Redlihs of Team Ozolins. When Kuzya was asked about his near win, he replied,”I’ve never been a stand-out in speed, probably something’s wrong with the timer.” Oh, Zhenya.

Hardest Shot Competition

Kuznetsov’s teammate on Traktor Chelyabinsk, Alexander Ryazantsev, won the hardest shot competition with a “world record” of 183.67 km/h or 114.127 mph. Fedor tells us this is the first time anyone’s ever hit the 180 km/h mark. While that’s impressive and everything, it’s hard to take this feat very seriously when KHL players shoot approximately 7 feet closer to the net than the NHL does.

Breakaway Competition

Vladimir Tarasenko won the competition — beating out defending champion Kuznetsov and Mikelis Redlihs — with his devious puck-literally-on-a-string trick. Kuznetsov’s attempts begin at 2:50 above.

Captain’s Challenge

Sergei Fedorov and Sandis Ozolins — two class acts and legendary players — play hockey billiards, hockey bowling, hockey volleyball, hockey basketball, and hockey biathlon on the ice. A novel idea by the KHL. The former Capital, Federov, ended up winning. Coverage of the event starts at the 3:00 mark above.

Lokomotiv Memorial Ceremony

The fans chant “Lo-ko, Lo-ko” at 1:28. This gave me goosebumps.

Photos from the All-Star Game

Fedorov is all smiles after the game.

Evgeny Kuznetsov speeds down the middle during Traktor’s game against Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk (Photo credit: Vitaly Gubin, Traktor PR Service)

Caps prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov, currently sitting in the top 15 in both goals and points (12g, 12a), was named a KHL All-Star for the second time on Monday. Unlike last season, Kuznetsov was overwhelmingly voted in as a starter this year by fans and will represent “Team Fedorov” of the Eastern conference. The 19-year-old Traktor Chelyabinsk forward finished second overall in total votes (33,800), trailing only Mikelis Redlihs of the Western Conference’s “Team Ozolins.”

To put Kuznetsov’s immense popularity in perspective, consider that he garnered more votes than reigning MVP Alexander Radulov, Roman Cervenka (the KHL’s leading scorer), Vladimir Tarasenko, and Russian National Team Captain Alexei Morozov.

Recently, Sovetsky Sport’s Pavel Lysenkov did a lengthy feature story on Kuznetsov, who some have called the new face of the KHL. Like most interviews with Russian players, the story starts off with questions about Vityaz Chekhov, who was recently beaten by Traktor on the scoreboard and tried to beat them back with their fists.

Most importantly to Caps fans, Kuznetsov discussed his possible NHL future, his contract situation, and who he idolized as a kid. Below the jump, I have the translation.

Evgeny Kuznetov: It’s difficult for Vityaz and Coach Nazarov to prove themselves anymore. What’s left for their enforcers? They need to fight somebody. I think every club in the KHL should have a tough guy. Let them fight each other. That’s useful. You get a “policeman” on the ice and everyone sees they shouldn’t touch the other players.

Pavel Lysenkov: Have you seen what Gimaev said to Sovetsky Sport? “[Russia] has to keep Kuznetsov until the Olympics”.

Evgeny Kuznetov: Right now my agent is negotiating with Washington. I am going to meet the team representatives when I am at the World Junior Championships in Calgary. I have no idea what kind of offer I am going to get. For now I am not going anywhere. I still have another half season to go on my contract with Traktor.

Pavel Lysenkov: National Team head Coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov also said you should not go.

Evgeny Kuznetov: I would stay in the KHL for 15 years! But in Russia they’re not used to giving out such long contracts. Who would pay a young player the money Ovechkin is getting in Washington? If I were offered a KHL contract like the one Ovechkin has, I’d sign it without a doubt! And I would play for Traktor until the end of my career. Wherever you get paid is a good place to be. That’s our job. But I have a dream to test myself in the NHL.

Pavel Lysenkov: Do you watch games of that league?

Evgeny Kuznetov: Yes, of course. It’s impressive that they squeeze so much out of half-chances. Mediocre players grind it out and score goals just on their character. In the NHL you’ve got to do everything very fast. In the KHL, the game is more finesse.

Pavel Lysenkov: What did Alex Ovechkin say when he hung out with you at your wedding party?

Evgeny Kuznetov: “Don’t worry. Come to the NHL and everything will be okay.” I went to Caps’ Development Camp after the draft last year. I went into the locker room and walked around for a week with my jaw on the floor.

Pavel Lysenkov: Why?

Evgeny Kuznetov: I came without a uniform. A man measured me with just a look. Then I returned from the hotel and the uniform of my size was already hanging there! After the training session, I started hanging it up. The equipment guy waved and said, “Throw it down! I’ll pick it up myself!” There’s professionalism everywhere. All you have to concentrate on is playing hockey.

Pavel Lysenkov: Is the KHL different?

Evgeny Kuznetov: In Traktor, they also help us handle our luggage. But in America you don’t even see these people [handling equipment]. You can go to Vegas with your wife. Or catch some sun rays in Miami. And return in time for the game. I know, many guys do that. But here – there is some lack of trust in the players. You must be with the team the day before a game.

Pavel Lysenkov: You know North America well.

Evgeny Kuznetov: So far, I’ve been there like 10 times. I played in Canada. I lived in New York. The first time I flew there I was 14. I just got my international passport! My mom put me on a plane, and my uncle godfather picked me up in New York. I played for a local team with a Russian coach. I walked around Manhattan. Bought souvenirs. I went to McDonald’s, and ordered by myself. Then I put 25 cents in a public phone, called my uncle and told him where I was standing and he picked me up. The weather was a bit of a let down. It was raining for the first three weeks. I wanted to swim in the ocean. My godfather said, “Let’s go to the beach”. All the Americans were hiding under their umbrellas. I ran right into the waves. They were thinking there goes some crazy Russian kid. But then some followed me. The water turned out to be pretty warm.

Pavel Lysenkov: Who do you like among hockey players?

Evgeny Kuznetov: I follow a lot of players. What they do during the game, how they hold their stick for a faceoff. You try to pick up few tricks. Malkin and Datsyuk of course are top class.

Pavel Lysenkov: Have you met them?

Evgeny Kuznetov: No. Alexander Semin played in Chelyabinsk at one point. But he probably doesn’t remember me. I was little, about eight years old. They lived at the boarding school for the kids from out of town. I was spending all my time at the stadium. Went right by the school and to the rink.

Pavel Lysenkov: Did you ask for Semin’s stick?

Evgeny Kuznetov: I asked other guys from Traktor’s squad for their sticks. Nobody gave me one. I became their teammate in like eight years.

Pavel Lysenkov: When you were 12, Canadians made a movie about you. How did they know you’d be a famous player?!

Evgeny Kuznetov: Canadians sent a letter beforehand saying they need Kuznetsov. I played in Omsk then. It was shot in about two weeks. The entire movie is three hours long and it’s about hockey in Siberia. One and a half of that is about me. They were interested about everything: how do we make pelmeni; how the kids are playing hockey. We were walking for 30 minutes in -22 degrees Fahrenheit from the camp to the rink, while the Canadians were running behind us with a camera. They first noticed me when I was nine in a tournament. We played in Mahnitogorsk. The whole “Romazan” [Ed. Note - Former Metallurg arena] was watching. The locals were invincible, but we smashed them 12-2 in the final. We were given a cup like a table lamp. The Magnitogorsk guys were give a trophy that looked like a Stanley Cup, along with uniforms, shoes, and sticks. They gave me 600 rubles for being the top scorer. And a medal. I scored like 20 goals then. Nobody else was even close! I was so disappointed that I wanted to cry.

Pavel Lysenkov: What were you dreaming about when you were 12?

Evgeny Kuznetov: I wanted to be Jaromir Jagr [Ed. note: Sigh].

Pavel Lysenkov: Wow!

Evgeny Kuznetov: When Jaromir came to Avangard in 2004, all of Omsk was crazy about him. First, we thought at the training, “Who is that clumsy guy skating?” But then he went out on the ice for the game. And everybody just gasped. I couldn’t get an autograph then. I have photo from that year. I took a picture of him with my cellphone camera from up close. I printed that out then. It’s now hanging on the wall in my house.

Pavel Lysenkov: So you never met him?

Evgeny Kuznetov: Why? During the previous KHL All-Star Game, I said hello to him. I stood near him. I was quiet. I saw Jagr smiling when I scored on the breakaway. “Great job,” he said.

Pavel Lysenkov: You played on the line with Sergei Fedorov.

Evgeny Kuznetov: When he went to Detroit in 1991 I wasn’t even born yet. When I look at guys like him I see how i need to work. I read Sovetsky Sport when Fedorov gave me three pieces of advice. One of them – only go to the NHL as a mature player and don’t get lost on a farm team. If you’re not ready, you better stay. Achieve something in Russia, it will be easier for you then. When Ovechkin went to NHL, he was big like a wardrobe [Ed. Note: Not to be confused with the one and only Wardrobe in the history of hockey]. You couldn’t push him out. Malkin achieved everything in Magnitogorsk. Kovalchuk showed himself playing for Spartak.

Part two of the interview.

Additional reporting by Ian Oland.

Russia’s Captain, Ilya Nikulin, holds the Karjala Cup; Kuznetsov gets mugged in front of the net.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, the Russian National Team’s youngest player at 19, once again proved his mettle and how lucky-a**ed (Kuzya called himself that during last year’s WJC) he can be in clutch situations. With ten seconds left and Russia stuck in a 1-1 tie with the Czech Republic, Kuznetsov — currently leading the KHL in game-winners this season — potted his only goal of the tournament. Not only did the tally give Russia the win in their final tournament game, it also clinched them the 2011 Karjala Cup.

Video of his goal can be seen below the jump.

The footage above also includes the ceremony where Russia is awarded the Karjala Cup.

Despite only registering one point in the four tournament games, Kuznetsov also scored during a shootout attempt in Russia’s first game against Finland.

After today’s victory against the Czech Republich, Kuzya was interviewed by Sport-Express’ Andrey Kuznetsov. Below I have your translation.

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I have a most enthusiastic impression of the tournament. I was able to score at the end, we won the tournament, and I liked working with the coaching staff. If they’ll call me up to the next EuroHockeyTour stage in Moscow, I’ll come happily. But I don’t know if I’ll get the invitation. The National team starts preparation for the Channel One Cup at the same time as our junior team starts preparation for the World Championships.

Andrey Kuznetsov: Did [Head Coach Zinetula] Bilyaletdinov teach you a lot?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Yes, but I don’t want to disclose all his secrets. I will only say that all the wise coaches, like Zinetula Khaydarovich [Bilyaletdinov], like Valery Konstantinovich Belousov, keep saying how important it is to play well on defense. And that’s what we saw in Helsinki. I think we won the Karjala Cup first of all because we allowed such few goals.

Andrey Kuznetsov: In Finland, you had to play on the fourth line. Was this a problem?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: No, because everybody had almost the same amount of ice time.

Andrey Kuznetsov: But with Tarasenko on your line that was created during the game against the Czechs, you clearly felt more comfortable.

Evgeny Kuznetsov: We’re not at the age when we can tell the coach what would be the best combinations on the ice [smiling]. That’s under the coaching staff’s jurisdiction.

Andrey Kuznetsov: What did the head coach say in the locker room after your third win of the Karjala Cup?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: He thanked us all and said that we made him very proud. He also asked us to work and train even harder and do notable things when we return home. We applauded him.

Andrey Kuznetsov: Which one of the Czechs surprised you most during the game?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Petr Nedved. He’s so-many-years-old and still was able to score the key goals. He not only scored against us, he also scored twice against Sweden.

Andrey Kuznetsov: Do you expect to play until 39 like him?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I’m going to be a hockey player even longer [smiling].

Additional reporting by Ian Oland.

Capitals prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov scored his ninth goal of the season and nabbed a pretty assist in Traktor’s 3-2 win today over Vladimir Tarasenko and Sibir Novosibirsk.

Before the game, all eyes were on 19-year-old superstars Kuznetsov and Tarasenko, who played together on last year’s gold medal winning World Junior Championship team. Considered two of Russia’s finest young talents, they both played on Russia’s National Team already, were drafted in the first round of the 2010 NHL entry draft, and are among the KHL’s league leaders in goals.

Andrey Osadchenko, whom you may know in North America for the vlog he does with Steve Dangle called Joining the Rush, wrote a piece on Allhockey.ru about the meaning of today’s game.

Despite the fact that they have already played on different club teams, we’re used to thinking of them as of a single unit, the personification of Russia’s hockey future. Not the immediate future – a distant future. It has been made clear they’ll be great players, but when? Knock-knock, wake up citizens – the future is now!

[...]

Of course, Tarasenko and Kuznetsov won’t play each other for the first time, they’re not rookies in the KHL. But today they’ll hit the ice not as “young and promising”, not as “our bright tomorrow”. Today, they are the stars of the show.

Video of Kuznetsov’s goal and assist. At the end, Evgeny is also shown embracing Vladimir Tarasenko after the game with fellow 2011 WJC teammember Anton Burdasov.

Today Kuznetsov’s star shone brighter than Tarasenko’s. With eight minutes to go in the third and the game tied 1-1, Kuzya patiently held onto the puck and found defenseman Deron Quint for an easy powerplay goal. If you look closely at the video, you’ll notice Kuznetsov curls and drags the puck for several seconds– freezing both the penalty killers and the goalie– before setting up Quint for a lay-up. Unbelievable!

This goal, however, wasn’t enough as Sibir tied the game at two with less than three minutes to go. Kuznetsov needed only 13 seconds to take the lead back for Traktor as he was hooked down to the ice on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot. Kuzya easily scored and Traktor went on to win 3-2.

His ninth goal of the year today puts Kuznetsov only one tally behind Roman Cervenka in the KHL scorers race and ties him ironically enough with Tarasenko for second place. Also, the goal was his fourth game-winner of the season and gave him the lead in this category.

One final interesting note, this was Kuznetsov’s first game of the year in which he played more than 18 minutes and scored (he played 19:25 tonight). Earlier, all eight of his markers came in games where he played less than that.

A few days ago, both Tarasenko and Kuznetsov were named to the Russian National extended roster team for the Karjala Cup, one of four tournaments in the EuroHockeyTour which features the Russian, Czech, Finnish, and Swedish National teams.

Finally, if you visit the KHL’s website, you’ll notice a banner in which they are promoting Traktor and Amur Khabarovsk’s game on Thursday (8AM EST). Featured on it? None other than Kuznetsov and Amur’s Jakub Petruzalek.

Additional reporting by Ian Oland.

Traktor Chelyabinsk’s four-game road trip came to an end today. Over seven days the team traveled from Chelyabinsk to Kazan (two time zones away), Moscow, Mytyschi (which is basically also Moscow), and Riga (three time zones away). After accumulating nine out of twelve standings points and  more than 3,200 miles during the trip, the White Bears now return home for a five-day break from KHL action.

Caps prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov ended a three-game pointless drought today, scoring a late third period goal against Dinamo Riga.

It took a lot of effort and a little bit of luck. As Riga trailed 2-1 late in the game, they pulled their goalie, and the talented Russian winger had what looked to be an easy empty-net goal. Instead, a Riga defender hooked him from behind, sending Kuzya’s shot off the post.

On the ensuing five-on-four powerplay, Traktor got an odd-man break. Kuznetsov and a teammate looked to score again, this time on a two-on-one. Instead, the cross-ice pass was intercepted by former NHL All-Star Sandis Ozolins, and Riga’s net was knocked off its moorings. Because the net displacement was ruled intentional, Traktor got the two-man advantage. Finally, Kuznetsov broke through, rifling a one-timer home on the powerplay.

Kuznetsov’s goal comes at 2:05.

Evgeny’s goal– his eighth of the season– ties him for second place in the KHL. The only player with more is Blues’ prospect Vladimir Tarasenko, who has nine. Two other players have eight: Roman Cervenka and Panthers’ prospect Sergey Shirokov.

Traktor will play their next game at home on Sunday as they face their old rivals, Metallurg Magnitogorsk. With a 3-1 win tonight, Traktor is now back on top of the KHL’s Eastern conference.

Additional reporting by Ian Oland.

Despite winning gold at the World Junior Championships and putting up one of the best years ever recorded by a 18-year-old in Russia, Capitals prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov spent most of last year playing through pain. The reason? A nagging shoulder injury that never completely healed after offseason surgery.

So Kuznetsov, who revealed to reporters in December that he struggled doing push-ups, flew back to Germany and went under the knife again in April. Thirteen and a half weeks later — with a renegotiated contract with Traktor and wife in hand – Kuznetsov seems optimistic of a full recovery.

Sport.ru’s Andrey Osadchenko recently spoke with the now 19-year-old and the two discussed a variety of topics. Most notably for Caps fans, Kuznetsov said that he has been looking at real estate in the D.C. area and plans to play for the Capitals in 2012-13.

Below, RMNB’s Igor Kleyner has your translation.

Pedaling, pedaling, pedaling

Andrey Osadchenko: Recently you had another shoulder surgery in Germany. A year ago you said that the first surgery was not very successful. What about this time?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: At first, I went there for evaluation. In the beginning, the doctor did not want to do another surgery. He was saying it was pretty serious, the surgery would take a long time. In the end, he did operate on me, and it turned out pretty good. He said that he managed to do everything he had planned. My pain was in the bone. So he came up with something new, and now the shoulder is perfectly safe. The main thing is to maintain the rehab schedule the doctor prescribed.

Andrey Osadchenko: The initial assessment was that your rehab would take about 3 months.

Evgeny Kuznetsov: 17 weeks. It’s been 13 and a half.

Andrey Osadchenko: Are you not training?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I am not even allowed more than 15 minutes on a stationary bike. Although, sometimes I cheat and just keep pedaling, if no one sees me. (laughing)

Andrey Osadchenko: Is it possible that you will miss the start of the season?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: It all depends on how my recovery progresses. So far I just go to physical therapy and various treatments. In a couple of weeks, I will start the full training. Stationary bike, running, bungee cord exercises. Then we’ll see. I think I will get a chance to play in the Romazan tournament. Maybe in a limited role. We’ll see how I feel. The doctor said in this situation there should be no fixed schedule. How I feel will determine everything. If there is no pain, I can practice and play. If it hurts, I need to stop.

Andrey Osadchenko: Why was your surgery in April, and not right after the season ended?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Because I got injured playing for the Sbornaya in Smolensk against Belarus. There wasn’t even that much contact. But my shoulder popped out. When I returned to Moscow, the doctors evaluated me, and said that I needed surgery, otherwise it will be too late. If I put it off, they possibly would have brought me to the World Championship. And if I got re-injured there, it would hurt the team, as I would be taking someone’s spot. So we decided to go ahead with the surgery, to be able to recover in time for the start of next season. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have been able to prepare for the WJC training camp. If, of course, I am invited.

Andrey Osadchenko: Following the triumphal return from Buffalo, there were lots of rumors surrounding you. There was talk of you being traded to SKA, Salavat and Magnitogorsk. Was there anything behind those rumors?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Let’s just say there was a possibility. Valery Konstantinovich [Belousov, Traktor head coach] said there was something like eleven teams that wanted to get me for the playoffs. But if I went somewhere for the playoffs, I would become a player of that club. There is no possibility of being loaned to another team in the KHL. You can only be traded. And even if there was some way around that, there was no guarantee I would be allowed to return. That was too risky. So they decided not to trade me. And I did not want to be traded. Because I promised to the coach, and to the whole city, that the next season I will play in Chelyabinsk 100%. I have a 5 year contract, which I signed a long time ago. This will be the last year of the contract.

Tactics with Fedorov

Andrey Osadchenko: Nevertheless, you did get a chance to play alongside many players from those teams – during the KHL All Stars game. Was it a surprise for you?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I was just leaving the practice facility. Myagent calls me and says: “Did you see it?” So I said “Did I see what? I don’t understand.” And he says “Go on the internet.” So I did. I take a look – and see I am selected to play on the third line with Fedorov and Kontiola. Then I realized that the organizers were trying to get the young players involved. So, frankly, I was selected simply because I am young, and not based on my game.

Andrey Osadchenko: What can you say about the event?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: It was all very new to me. I was waking around with my mouth open, looking at the stars. I did not get to interact with all of them – I was too shy to walk up to them. I really wanted to meet Sergei Fedorov. That I managed to do – we talked a bit. He is a great person. There is a lot to learn from him. To play like that in the playoffs at his age! He has so many games behind him, but he always goes out there like he is 18 years old. That’s the kind of person to learn from. I follow him not just on the ice, but also in life.

Andrey Osadchenko: During the skills competition program, you were interacting with Sergei Fedorov and Alexander Radulov. If it’s not a secret, what were you talking about.

Evgeny Kuznetsov: That was during the shot accuracy contest, and it was Sergei Fedorov’s turn. We were discussing the tactics (laughing). Although, in the end, he wasn’t able to do what he intended to. And with Radulov, we were just kidding around, because I was shooting right after him.

Andrey Osadchenko: Your “artistic” shootout attempts were awesome. Did it take you a while to come up with those?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Not at all. I remember doing it since I was a kid. I used to do it pretty well, so I decided to try again.

Andrey Osadchenko: Hasek practically ruined one of your attempts, when he left the crease and grabbed you. Did you ask him later why he did that?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: No, I did not. Regardless, I was able to do what I was trying in a later attempt.

Andrey Osadchenko: You tried using two sticks for one of your attempts. Is it hard to control the puck that way?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: To tell you the truth, I simply didn’t know what to try. And Radulov just gave me the stick and said “Here. Go!” I was a bit nervous, so it didn’t really work out.

A couple of words for the lawyer

Andrey Osadchenko: Following the victory in Buffalo some of the players were invited to be on a Channel 1 show. What was it like to see your teammates with Andrey Malakhov?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I don’t know about the guys, I landed at 10 in the morning, and was on the ice playing for Traktor at 5 in the evening that day. I did, of course, see a replay of that show. I also would have liked to go on it. To see people. To get some TV exposure, so to speak. (laughing)

Andrey Osadchenko: A large part of that show was dedicated to the events at the airport. Are you tired of all this talk over the last half a year?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I keep telling everybody just the truth. I tell like it was. Only sick people refuse to believe that there was nothing there for real. No, I am not getting tired from it. Normal people understand me. When a team wins, there is celebration. No one should be mad at us for beating the Canadians 5:3. Actually, even more than that. We beat them 5:0 in the third period. That’s why they are angry at us. That’s unsportsmanlike.

Andrey Osadchenko: When you watched the show, were you angry at the people who criticized the sbornaya?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I would like to say a few words, face to face, to that lawyer, or whoever he was. That’s the kind of person I am – I always say everything openly. I would find something to tell him. Everybody would laugh, and he would have left early, without even going to his seat.

Andrey Osadchenko: Later on, you participated in a feature “Without a Helmet” of the show Russia’s Hockey (translated here). Did you like answering funny questions?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Yes, I did. Although I was a bit baffled. I never had to answer such questions before, so I had to come up with something on the spot. But I really liked it. Thanks to the people who invite young players like myself.

Andrey Osadchenko: You said that you don’t like when girls ask you about your age. Why?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: That was simply the first thing that came to mind. (laughing)

Andrey Osadchenko: So, in this situation, is it appropriate to ask you which question you don’t like to hear from the reporters?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: When they start asking about those close to you. I think no one wants to talk about the family. That’s personal. Ask any player – no one is ready to talk about that. And for the journalists, it is interesting to dig something up, find out something nasty about me, and write about it. Of course some are normal and don’t ask about it. I just don’t like when they dig into the personal life.

A concealed medal

Andrey Osadchenko: Your long time Sbornaya teammate Vladimir Tarasenko recently had a role in a music video [KHL promotinal video by Noize MC]. How long will we have to wait for you to participate in a similar event?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: As soon as they ask me, I’ll be happy to do it. But nobody has invited me so far. Which means I am not at Volodya Tarasenko level yet, to be in a music video.

Andrey Osadchenko: If we assume hypothetically that you are in a music video, which song would you like it to be?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I don’t know. Maybe some Russian pop, so I can at least understand the lyrics. Although I wouldn’t mind to be in a rap video. I would like to sing with Noggano. [a.k.a.Basta – Ovi and Semin like him too. See here.]

Andrey Osadchenko: How about acting in a movie?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I would love to. Any movie. Except porn.

Andrey Osadchenko: The domestic movie industry has promised to release several sports movies. Do you think there will be a feature film about your victory in WJC 2011?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I don’t think it will be a full-feature, but they should pick up some moments from it. Because we have not won it in a while. It doesn’t matter what they say – luck or otherwise. In any case it is a gold medal, a victory. We’ll see what happens at the next World Championship.

Andrey Osadchenko: If there is a movie, who do you see playing the role of Evgeny Kuznetsov?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Maybe Brad Pitt or Jackie Chan. At worst, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Andrey Osadchenko: By the way, have you ever thought about writing a book? There could be a nice anthology of of your aphorisms.

Evgeny Kuznetsov: When I am finished with hockey, I will write a tell-all book. Can’t do it right now. I could write a lot about things that are not for the media, and not for anybody at all. Especially about kids’ hockey.

Andrey Osadchenko: In early June you had your wedding at Traktor Arena. Did everything go as planned, or were there any surprises?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: At first, they were trying to talk us into it for a long time. We basically opened the arena. When they built the arena, they handed me the ceremonial key. The city government asked us to have our wedding ceremony there. We agreed. Everything was exceptional, just as they promised us – minute by minute. Everything was great.

Andrey Osadchenko: Was it strange to see a familiar arena turned into a wedding palace?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I did not even see much of it. I was watching my step, trying not to fall down. (laughing) I was afraid to trip over the carpet.

Andrey Osadchenko: Following the final game in Buffalo you said you would be wearing your gold medal to you wedding. Why did you change your mind?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: How do you know? What if it was under my shirt?

Andrey Osadchenko: So was it or not?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: It’s a secret.

Andrey Osadchenko: When were you more nervous – during your wedding or before the final game in Buffalo?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I wasn’t nervous at either. And those are different things. In the final everything depended not just on me, but on all of the guys, the team. During the wedding I was not nervous – I knew what I was going for, I was ready. I was nervous when I proposed. At the wedding – what is there be nervous about? There was no way back. And I did not want to go back, I was already under the spell.

Russian Washington

Andrey Osadchenko: You made your debut for the Sbornaya this year, managed to score three points in three Eurotour games. Are you satisfied with this result?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: If we won, then I would be satisfied… I really wanted to go to the Worlds, even as a reserve player. If it weren’t for the surgery, I think I would have gone there. I even would pay my own way just to support our guys. That was one of the goals I set for myself before the season.

Andrey Osadchenko: You went through every stage of the National Team. How is the main Sbornaya different from the U20 or U18 teams?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: No, not “every”… I haven’t played for the women Sbornaya yet. (laughing) There are a lot of differences. Above all, the level of players. In the main team there are adults. They think totally differently. In a way, it is easier to play for the first Sbornaya, because there veterans there. They always help with advice. Everybody understands each other at half word. In the junior team everybody tries to stand out, pull the blanket toward himself.

Andrey Osadchenko: Interestingly, Finland brought Sami Valtanen to this tournament, you had a bit of a war of words with him in the media during the WJC. Did you talk to each other?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: No. they probably saw it on YouTube and decided to have a real life test.

Andrey Osadchenko: Do you think he is mad at you for your frank comments?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I do not think so. We met, and he did not say a word. It’s his fault. I did not say it for no reason. I don’t think many people know why I said it. If everybody knew why I said it, I think not only people would they support me, they would think I did not say enough. How could he say: “Who are the Russians? Who are Tarasenko, Kuznetsov, Orlov, Kitsyn? I don’t know them.” You should be more humble. You haven’t beat us yet, and you are talking about playing in the final. That’s not nice.

Andrey Osadchenko: Did you keep the puck that you scored your first goal for the Sbornaya with?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Yes. It’s on the shelf at home. My mom wipes the dust off of it. I have two pucks there. The first goal in the KHL and that one.

Andrey Osadchenko: What was the most memorable moment of Eurotour for you?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Probably the first practice. A very anxious moment. Everybody gathered – coaches, players, reporters. Then everything was all right. I became friends with the guys and calmed down.

Andrey Osadchenko: You decided to stay with Traktor for another year, even though you could have tried yourself overseas. Why?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: It was a difficult situation. There was a moment when I decided to leave, because there were certain problems. Then everything changed. I promised to Valery Konstantinovich and to the governor to stay in Chelyabinsk for another year. I am thankful to them for giving me so much attention. I even got an apartment after the World Championship. I simply had to stay. Besides, realistically, it’s a bit too early for me to go there. I want to go to the NHL prepared, when I am confident I can make the team. To play in the AHL for 2-3 years – that’s not for me.

Andrey Osadchenko: Do for now you familiarize yourself with the NHL on Playstation?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Yes, when I play, my hands shake. I really want to make it there soon.

Andrey Osadchenko: Which team are you?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Washington. I gathered all the Russians, including the young guys, and play. I put myself on the line with Alex Ovechkin.

Andrey Osadchenko: So who scores more?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: I do, of course. (laughing) But only in a virtual game.

Andrey Osadchenko: The fans in Washington can’t wait for you to join.

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Next year (2012-2013). I don’t know if I am going to make the main team, but I am planning to move there for the next season. Sasha Ovechkin said he would help with the apartment at first. We will live at his place for a couple of months, then, of course we will rent our own apartment. I even checked the apartment prices there over the internet.

Andrey Osadchenko: Much more expensive than in Chelyabinsk?

Evgeny Kuznetsov: Yes, but it makes no sense to buy. We’ll rent. Most important thing is to be close to the practice facility. They explained everything to me. The agent said he would help with the car. There shouldn’t be any problem. They told me: “Just come. We’ll take care of everything”.

Additional reporting by Ian Oland.

Before the 2010 draft, the highest-rated Russian prospect, Vladimir Tarasenko, was asked what some scouts thought to be a simple question: “Who’s better between you and Evgeny Kuznetsov?”

Tarasenko recalled his answer in a December 29th Sports.ru interview:

I said, “I don’t know.” They said, “You must answer.” I said, “Kuznetsov.” They asked, “Why did you pick him?” I responded, “Ask Zhenya and he’ll say Tarasenko’s better.” I explained it’s a speciality of the Russians. Unlike Canadians, we’ll never say, “I’m the best.”

Lately, the Capitals’ top prospect has played so well that maybe Tarasenko’s humility was more objective fact than “Russian mentality”. Let’s consider Kuznetsov’s achievements over the past few weeks.

• Won the WJC with team Russia, and made the All-Star tournament team.
• Made the Russian National team camp for the last stage of the EuroHockeyTour.
• Named to the third line of Jaromir Jagr’s Eastern team of the KHL All-Star Game.  Will suit up alongside Sergei Fedorov and Petri Kontiola, both representing Traktor’s biggest rivals from Metallurg Magnitogorsk.
• Will be the youngest player to ever play in the KHL All-Star Game.
• Has a five-game goal streak as the KHL goes on its All-Star Game/EuroHockeyTour hiatus.

Now take a look at his stats since the World Junor Championships:

• In the 31 games before the WJC: 9 Goals, 5 Assists
• In the 10 games after the WJC: 7 Goals, 7 Assists

In total, Kuznetsov’s 16 KHL goals this season have him in rarefied air. He’s one goal behind Jaromir Jagr, tied with Viktor Kozlov and Chris Simon; and he has more tallies than Alexei Yashin, Sergei Fedorov and Maxim Afinogenov.

Kuznetsov also has the second-most goals ever in a season for a Russian player under 19-years old. That record belongs to the late Alexei Cherepanov. Cherepanov scored 18 goals in the 2006-07 KHL regular season and chipped in another three  in the playoffs. In comparison, Alex Ovechkin had 13 in the regular season at this age (15 overall), and Pavel Bure totaled 14.

There were strong rumors that Kuznetsov would be dealt away at the KHL trade deadline to a cup-contending team like SKA St. Petersburg, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, or Metallurg Magnitogorsk. The deadline came and went, however, and Kuznetsov is still in Chelyabinsk.

Now let’s bust out the YouTube and peep his most recent goals. His two goals on Tuesday, which were on a shorthanded breakaway and a penalty shot, were the most impressive. You can find them at bottom.

Goal vs Lokomtiv Yaroslavl [2:10]

Goal vs SKA St. Petersburg

Goal vs Severstal Cherepovets

Goal vs Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg [1:05]

Goal vs Vityaz Chekhov [3:45]

Goals vs UHC Dynamo Moscow:

Kuznetsov has struggled to score on breakaways before Tuesday’s game. His two goals here were done in a Wolski-equal fashion.

After the game, Kuznetsov said:

When I went for the penalty shot, I tried not to think about anything. Valery Konstantinovich [Belousov, Traktor's coach] said to do it the other way. But I was dreaming to do this deke for the whole season. Why not try it in a season-ender [actually it was their last home game of the season]! Especially since we were leading.

In an interview after the game, Belousov was asked if Kuznetsov finally learned how to score on the breakaway:

You’ve seen it today. He learned his lessons.

Additional reporting by Ian Oland.