Russia loses to Finland 0:3, will play for the Bronze
Alex Ovechkin after the loss to Finland (Championat.ru):
"I was trying, but it didn't work though I felt good and strong. There were a lot of scoring chances, we could score. Now we have to cough it up. Don't critise the guys, it does not make any sense."
Well, it was clear that Ovi was not ready to go to a 3rd rate World Cup and even to beat a 3rd rate team Canada. He was empty emotionally after the loss to Tampa Bay. Finally he got the priorities straight on what is more important for him to achieve.
On the other hand... it was nice for Russians to beat Canada again... hehehe It's all that matters to Russians since 1972... You can lose to US, Finland, Arab Emirates, it is not a big deal, but you can't lose to Canada, that's a national tragedy...
In fact (and sadly) it might save Bykov's job as a Head Coach of team Russia.
Ovi to RIA Novosti:
We did not seize the moments that we created, and the first goal by Finns... I think it is one of the best ever goals that could happen in hockey. They had skill and luck, it was all in one pile for them. We had no luck on our side. The scoring chances were good, but we couldn't put the puck in the net. We have a game ahead for the third place. It doesn't matter who is the opponent. If Czechs then it's Czechs. We just have to go out and win at least some kind of medal..."
I think it was a better goal than "the goal"...
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Why dont u like Bykov?
No one likes ByKov.
The goal was not that great. It was a goalie mistake; he should have covered that corner. The only thing he did was pick up the puck really fast and scoop it into the net. The goal it's just great but not greater than "the goal."
Hardly in the same class as "The Goal" which had many more elements to it strung together by skill, determination, and instinct. The Finn's goal was nice, but not as one-of-a-kind as The Goal. The player was left open and had plenty of time to execute moves players actually practice. There was a similar goal within the last few years. The Goal remains unique.
I seriously hope Bykov gets fired. He's such a horrible coach, look at their special teams.
The shortie against Canada was a defensive mistake from Canada, but a hard working goal- nothing to do with coaching of the PK, it was just a good player making a good play.
Their PP was horrible in every game so far, but honestly, even, 5-on-5 wasn't good either. They were disorganized and making bad mistakes. It looks like none of them have their heart in it. The Canada game could've very well been because of Putin being there, them wanting to win for HIM.
Not only that, he ALWAYS calls players out. And this year it was Semin. No matter who it is- I forget who he called out last year, but I remember I was really put off by it- it's not right. He's a good player, like him or not he should've just kept his mouth shut or at least not attacked him. Because seriously? "under any circumstances" (Not to mention I didn't think Semin would've gone this year in the first place, even if he was invited.
As for everyone badmouthing Ovechkin, the panel saying he "hasn't scored this tournament" is BS. First of all, it was his third game and he hasn't been playing that bad, but he does seem to be emotional. Also many of the calls on him last night were BS.
Also, I personally didn't like the Finn goal. Yeah, it was cool that it worked, but I didn't like it. Nothing against the player or that it was the opening goal, either.
0+0 well played Ovechkin. Hahah
Hey, do you now something about Bykov and russian players didn't want to Ovi on championship? Czech's commentators said it. They said that he invited himself by newspapers before Bykov could said anything. But I haven't found anything about it...
(Sorry for mistakes in my English.)
@Anonymous,
He has more important things to put his efforts into. Worlds doesn't matter all that much compared to the Cup and the Olympics.
He's done his duty by playing for Russia now he can finally give his body some rest and turn his attention to next season.
My first comment was to the Anonymous who made the 0+0 comment.
To answer the 2nd Anonymous,
Team Russia had been in contact with Ovie during the Stanley Cup playoffs. When it looked like the Captials would still be playing through most of the Worlds Ovie contacted them and said he wouldn't be there. During the 2nd round, Team Russia was still in contact with him and when the Capitals were swept he texted the officials afterwards and said he was available.
Team Russian was holding spots open for Ovechkin and Datsyuk. It was Sasha Semin that Bykov said he didn't want on the team.
I find it hard to believe that Team Russia wouldn't want Ovie on their team for the WC. Whatever the Czech commentators or press had to say doesn't mean a hill of beans to me, and I suspect it doesn't to Ovie either.
Now that he's done his patriotic duty, I hope Ovie goes home now not only to rest, but also to reflect on what went right and what went wrong this past season for the Capitals in general and for him specifically. IMO the seeds of his problems and struggles were sown way back last summer by his poor decisions on training. He says he played hurt/injured for most of this season, and when you're out of shape or in poor condition, you are more prone to injuries.
Ovie knows this, which is why IMO he called team owner Ted Leonsis prior to leaving for Slovakia to apologize for not doing things properly to prepare for last season. Ovie has pledged to do things differently, now we'll see if there is substance to his words. I want to see pics of him starting training early and hard, and showing up for training camp in the best shape of his career. Time will eventually tell me everything I need to know about how serious he really is about being a better player and team leader.
This summer, I would like to see Ovie re-hone his basic hockey skills, speed and strength at the minimum.
Part of this process would include better decision making while on vacation. He is of an age where staying up late and eating and drinking habits have more influence on the physical and mental condition. (As someone who passed the age of 25, it stands out as a point where the body and emotions develop new needs. The body starts needing more maintenance and the emotions start maturing.)
I think Ovie is better disciplined during the season, but is not yet fully aware of the impact of off season partying and influences.
He doesn't need to deprive himself of fun. That is not what I'm saying. Blowing off steam can be beneficial if you are aware of your body's limits. While on vacation, staying out late is fine, but not night after night until the sky lightens. It is also easier to recover from long nights when you don't drink too much.
Evaluate your friends. Who are you surrounded by in Moscow and DC? Are they a help or a hindrance? Are some party-only people? Do they want you to go out more and more? Do you only meet up with them "on the town? Then they are probably fun acquaintances and not true friends. Do they under stand your priorities and needs?
As for more complex training, that would involve changing the patterns of a lifetime to create some diversity/style versatility he can draw on when his standard moves are not working (either because he is not playing well or he is being well-defended). This recreation takes longer because the old bad habits must be broken and new habits learned so they can be drawn upon from muscle memory.
Having said that, the way he plays has gotten him this far and is still effective when done right. But adding some simple variations can keep him from getting into a rut. Eventually he'll have to undergo a greater style change as he becomes an older player. He can start laying the groundwork now.
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