There are guys on the roster who put up impressive numbers in the KHL. So Smirnov's numbers aren't that impressive.
WJC: 2017 Russia Roster Talk
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There are guys on the roster who put up impressive numbers in the KHL. So Smirnov's numbers aren't that impressive.
Zine
Registered User
- Feb 28, 2002
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I think both Smirnov and Abramov deserve a look in camp, but I also understand Bragin's point of view considering we already have 2 (better) undersized wingers guaranteed in the top 6 in Kaprizov and Polunin.
Regarding Trenin, I'm not a fan but Bragin seems to like him for some reason. He's the only center who has shown the ability to win face-offs on a consistent basis. Trenin as a 13th forward specialty duty would be fine by me.
Regarding Trenin, I'm not a fan but Bragin seems to like him for some reason. He's the only center who has shown the ability to win face-offs on a consistent basis. Trenin as a 13th forward specialty duty would be fine by me.
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Kaprizov isn't undersized and he doesn't play like an undersized guy, especially for Junior tournament.
Irishguy42
Mr. Preachy
Not super predictable this time as for once there are more than 2 good D-men on the roster. Also Bragin is less affine to having unchangeable lines/pairings than most russian coaches. I see hm try out pairings at camp and friendlies before the tournament to decide what to start with. And he could make changes during the tournament easily.
For now there is pretty much a clear cut top-4 in Zborovskiy, Sergachev, Sidorov and Rykov. But I couldn't tell the exact pairings.
I agree, what does it hurt to at least give them a look in the camp. 10 guys on that list couldnt muster a single PP goal in 6 games at the super series.
Bragin wants to gamble, but if the team proves to be low scoring Im going to lose mind after not even taking a last look at Abramov, Sokolov and Smrinov meanwhie we get to see Urakov, Trenin, Ivashov, Kaurnakov (who was terrible at the super series btw) etc..
Bragin always has strange obsessions with one or 2 guys who everyone is is like what? Trenin is one of those this year - good faceoff guy, ok thats it? Yeah unfortunately.
Add Dronov/Voronkov on the bottom pairing and it wont matter, all very solid pairings in any combo. One hell of a blue line.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
Zborovskiy has 12 points in his last three games, so you guys are catching him in good form. I am very excited to watch him play at the World Juniors. He doesn't look challenged in the WHL. I want to see him play against better competition.
In one of those games, Zborovskiy registered 2-5-7 and a plus/minus of +8. Not a bad night at the office!
Training camp lines
Kaprizov - Vorobiev - Polunin
Rykov - Sidorov
Karnaukhov - Kavrtalnov - Urakov
Voronkov - Chmykhov
Yurtaikin - Alekseev - Rubtsov
Dronov - Volkov
Artemov - Belyayev - Lee
Kudako - Fazylzyanov
Kotlyarevskiy - Maltsev - Ivashov
Petrischev - Yepishin
According to Bragin Samsonov is going to be the starter.
1 defenceman spot and 2-3 forward spot up for grabs.
12F and 8D will be on the roster.
Kaprizov - Vorobiev - Polunin
Rykov - Sidorov
Karnaukhov - Kavrtalnov - Urakov
Voronkov - Chmykhov
Yurtaikin - Alekseev - Rubtsov
Dronov - Volkov
Artemov - Belyayev - Lee
Kudako - Fazylzyanov
Kotlyarevskiy - Maltsev - Ivashov
Petrischev - Yepishin
According to Bragin Samsonov is going to be the starter.
1 defenceman spot and 2-3 forward spot up for grabs.
12F and 8D will be on the roster.
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I've heard good things about Popugaev.
You heard them from the WHL. On the NT he didn't look anything special, just big. He is still eligible next year, maybe he will be better by then.
snipes
How cold? I’m ice cold.
- Dec 28, 2015
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6'6 winger putting up excellent numbers in the tough WHL, he's legitimate. I expect him to be a top 10-15 pick in the upcoming NHL draft.
He's young, Russia typically likes to go with older players. He's still got another year of eligibility, I hope you don't just turn on this kid because he's in the WHL. He's a very good player. The WHL did an excellent job developing Provorov, we love our hockey in western Canada. Doesn't matter what country the player is from.
You are definitely right about Bragin preferring to go with older players. I just took a quick look at the last three years of Russian rosters for this tournament, and out of 23 players on each team, the 19 year olds accounted for 17, 19, and 20 roster spots. All but one of the remaining spots were made up by 18 year olds, with the exception of Provorov, who was the only player a couple years under the limit.
In other words, Popugaev is probably up against it this year.
snipes
How cold? I’m ice cold.
- Dec 28, 2015
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Exactly, Bragin likes older players.
I'm a big Bragin fan, if his English is any good I think he would make a good NHL coach or deserve a chance. His teams always play hard and battle every game, there's something about Bragin I like. Great coach, arguably the best U20 coach in the world in my opinion.
Provorov was an exception because he's a beast and unreal D man. But yeah, Bragin likes going with 19 year olds at this tournament.
I like Bragin too. I'm not sure what it is about him, but he seems to make good moves. Always switching the goalies at the right time or calling a timeout when he should. I find that he has a good pulse of the game, and seems to have a good command of the players without being as authoritarian as Tikhonov, for example.
And on a side note, I saw him coaching against Tim Hunter in the Super Series, and it must have been the coaching matchup of the two biggest, ugliest noses in hockey history!
I like Bragin too. I'm not sure what it is about him, but he seems to make good moves. Always switching the goalies at the right time or calling a timeout when he should. I find that he has a good pulse of the game, and seems to have a good command of the players without being as authoritarian as Tikhonov, for example.
And on a side note, I saw him coaching against Tim Hunter in the Super Series, and it must have been the coaching matchup of the two biggest, ugliest noses in hockey history!
didn't Sutter coach Canada at one of the recent tournaments? he's got to be in the running here
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
All the players that are playing in North America will join the team in Canada.
Received praise from Bragin for improving defensive game. So I guess he's in. CHL/AHL players will join camp in Canada after the russian camp scratches are made.
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