Fedorov

Ovechkin and Fedorov, August 2007 (see my post "Alex Ovechkin and Fedorov brothers). Photo courtesy Александр САФОНОВ, "Чемпионат.ру"




Can't be said better...
Ted Leonsis:

We got a center that should have good chemistry with the likes of Alex Semin and someone who can win big face-offs; be smart on the power play; and provide some leadership in big tough games. I am hopeful that being around young truly talented skaters like Semin and Ovechkin and feeling comfortable with Kozlov will re-ignite Fedorov's game a bit. He has always been a big game player and we need that right now.

Red Wings vs. Capitals, Game 3, Stanley Cup Finals, Jun 13, 1998

Sergei Fedorov snapped a shot over Olaf Kolzig's left shoulder
with 4:51 remaining and the Detroit Red Wings moved within one
win of their second straight Stanley Cup Finals sweep with a 2-1
victory over the Washington Capitals.

Fedorov took a pass from Doug Brown as he reached the Capitals
blue line, moved in on defenseman Calle Johansson and scored his
league-leading 10th playoff goal to snap a 1-1 tie.

Tonight was the one-year anniversary of the limousine crash that
seriously injured Red Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and
team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov.

"I was just thinking about that," Fedorov said. "I know what
Vladie and Sergei did for this team. Tonight was a special
night. ... We thought about what happened last year before the
warmups. It gave us a kind of motivation and inspiration to
play harder and really, really concentrate and focus on the
game."

The game-winner came four minutes, 34 seconds after Brian
Bellows ended an 11-game scoring drought and lifted Washington
into a 1-1 tie.

Detroit Free Press, Feb. 23, 2008 "Chris Chelios: Fedorov would be a bargain":

“You know what? Depending on the right price and what you give up, I’d think he’d be a bargain. You say that and last night I watched him score a beautiful goal. He’s got that rocket shot of his and he’s still got that skill, Sergei does. I don’t think the price would be a big ticket, and even if it wasn’t now at the deadline, he’s going to be a free agent next year. He’s definitely one guy you’ve got to consider. He’s a great skill player and with the way the game is now with the power play, he could really actually help and contribute.”

Unlike Forsberg Fedorov never had any major injuries. No knee or ankle surgeries, he had one groin injury while in Anaheim, very few concussions. That is incredible considering how long he played hockey. Fedorov plays PP, PK, can play a defenceman. He did it in Detroit and for Ken Hitchcock in Columbus.

Fedorov numbers won't lie, he is incredible hockey player. In three Stanley Cups with Detroit he led the team in scoring, well, except for the last Stanley Cup where he was second, one point behind Yzerman. Could Detroit win three Cups without him? I doubt it. Detroit didn't get anywhere since Fedorov left. In the first Stanley Cup Fedorov, playing with a broken rib, was hit by Avs defenseman Miller and broke another rib. He came back and scored a game and series winning goal. Why series winning goal? Because that game was a major change of momentum for Detroit.

Fedorov was to Detroit as Paul McCartney was to the Beatles. And some controversy always followed both. :-)

The question is, can Fedorov still do it? Will Ovechkin and the Caps re-juvenate him?

According to Capitals Insider Ovechkin said he's thrilled to have Fedorov, a fellow Russian he looked up to as a youngster growing up in Moscow. "He's a great player," he said. "What can I say about him? He's won everything. I'm really excited. I hope he helps this team make a big step forward." Asked if he would like to play on the same line as Fedorov, Ovechkin said: "It's up to Coach and what's best for team."

from Dispatch

Sergei Fedorov gets traded to the Washington Capitals for a 19-year-old defenseman. OK, it's time to gut the team. There's a huge hole at center. ...Without Richards, without Foote, without Fedorov, the playoff push turned into a Sisyphean task.

With Huet, with Cooke, with Fedorov Caps are ready for the final playoff push. The team was losing steam, they needed a boost. With those trades Bruce Boudreau and the team got it. Thank you, Mr. McPhee, you made it possible.

Interview with Fedorov from Capitals Insider:

Q: Excited to be in Washington?
A: "To be honest with you, I had to gather my thoughts yesterday. But today is a brand new day. The old chapter is closed and a new chapter is open. That's the nature of our of our lives."

"I'm looking forward to working with the organization and hopefully be part of something special, like make a playoff run and making the playoffs."

Q: Have you been told what's been expected of you here?
A: "I just met the coach, and he told me that I'm going to play a little bit more than I played in Columbus. For me, that's exciting news. I don't think about anything else."

"Even though I'm 38 years old, I still play my best games with younger players. In team sports there are no small details. My daily routine will include all those small details. That's how championships are won. You have to pay attention to details."

Q: GM George McPhee said yesterday that there's a lot left in your tank. Do you feel that way?
A: "I think so, I hope so. I would like to show it before I talk about it. It's a very exciting time. It's been a crazy last 48 hours. I think my voicemail and text messages are still flooded. It's a new chapter for me, and I would like to quickly become part of this team and get some damage done."

Q: Did you expect to be moved?
A: It crossed my mind. I just did not expect it to be Washington. It wasn't easy to do. But I'm glad it happened. Now I'm here and I've moved on and I'm looking forward."

Q: This is the last year of your contract. Do you want to play several more years?
A: "I'm going to consider all of my options after the season ends."

Q: Including retirement?
A: "Including that, yes?"

Lysenkov from SovSport called Fedorov's Dad and Victor Fedorov was completely surprised. He said he expected Fedorov to end up with Detroit, Ottawa or Montreal.



Detroit Free Press "Fedorov by the numbers"

6 -All-Star appearances (1992, '94, '96, 2001, '02, '03).

3 -Stanley Cup titles ('97, '98,'02).

2 -Selke Trophy (best defensive forward, '94, '96).

2 -Olympic medals with Russia (silver '98, bronze '02).

1 -Russian-born player to play 1,000 NHL games. Fedorov played in his 1,000th Nov. 30 against the Wild.

1 -Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP) in 1994.

Update:
Yzerman had 13, 24, and 23 points in the three runs. Fedorov had 20,20, and 19
Thanks for the comment, I was not exactly right. Here are the stats for 3 Stanley Cup runs for Fedorov and Yzerman:

Fedorov
Year    GP  G  A Pts +/- PIM Shots Sh% 
2001-02 23  5 14 19  +4  20   88   5.68 
1997-98 22 10 10 20   0  12   86  11.63 
1996-97 20  8 12 20  +5  12   79  10.13 

Yzerman
Year    GP  G  A Pts +/- PIM Shots Sh% 
2001-02 23  6 17 23  +4  10   52  11.54 
1997-98 22  6 18 24 +10  22   65   9.23 
1996-97 20  7  6 13  +3   4   65  10.77 

I think this is where my memory messed me up:
Yzerman had 7, 6 and 6 goals. Fedorov had 8, 10 and 5. One less than Yzerman in the last run.