Better than who? And based on what? The hype around him or the real data?
Again, based on what? The hype around some players that every year leads to very questionable draft picks by the NHL? Or the closer-is-better? People who know and follow the CHL or NA leagues in general see those Russians doing good there and simply assume they should make the roster while they know little about Russins playing in Russia who might be not worse at least. If any of the defencemen who did not make the roster was a Provorov level prospect they probably would be there(just like Provorov as an underager). But they aren't. They have their weaknesses and the major factor of non-exposure this season just hurts their chances more.
Same for forwards who have nice stats in a junior league and no exposure to russian coahces this season. They just lose out against guys who have a men's leagues resume and numbers in those men's leagues. Not to menion that here too we have quite a number of players playing in Russia(mostly underagers just like the players playing in NA you mean) with beautiful stats in juniors, breakout years and whatnot. And they did ot make the team either. They are less known to the people on this board so they don't understand that situation.
I never critisized Khus for his overall performance last year, because I was aware he was an underager(entrusted with a big role on a then weaker forward group). This year he looks miles ahead of his former self. Which is not surprising.
Here we have the same problem. A lot of people just remember his draft and know little about his game since.
Not really.
The actual difference is Vasilevskiy's performance at the WJC. He was brilliant and never had such a dip in his development curve. And people tend to fall into trends. Just becasue there were so many great russian goalies lately there is no guarantee this trend will continue. But they tend to expect an elite russian goalie prospect to emerge every other year. This all does not mean though Askarov can't find his feet and get back on track.
Only Askarov has not played in his actual birth year WJC yet. So it is sort of a moot argument for now. Let's talk after the WJC about all those people being better at WJC.
Based on seeing him play for Russia in different games and tournaments. Simple, I trust my eyes. I trusted my eyes when I saw a young Kuznetsov, young Aho, young Teräväinen and a young Pastrnak and actually young Tatar as well etc.
Tatar had some individual skill and good skating. I see some similar traits in the young Russian. He stands out with his speed and skill. As I said, I do think you have a great roster but I still believe he could've been an asset. Why is it so difficult to accept or understand?
Regarding Khusnutdinov? Have I claimed that you are responsible for those negative writings about him? I wrote "many Russian fans" in here last year, nowhere did I point out yourself.
Listen here, I watched Saros play two tournaments. Finland won against Sweden and others only because of the individuals and their defensive system. Those were Saros and Teräväinen. Finland had a weaker roster than Russia has now and had with Askarov in the net in earlier tournaments.
Finlands second best and third best forward were Lehkonen and Mäenalanen. That says a whole lot. Yeah Lindell was good as well but no Heiskanen, Heinola nor Niemelä.
Ristolainen made only some specific good things but wasn't anything special in that tournament. Actually looked quite sluggish if I remember it correctly.
My point? I´ve never seen two players carry a team like Saros and Teräväinen did with Finland and Kuznetsov and Tarasenko did for Russia. So, you are just wrong here. Saros was and still is a better goalie than Askarov and he has a whole lot to show before we can consider him being at the same level as Saros were.
Yeah, agreed. Let's talk after the tournament. Let's see if he can be the biggest reason to why Russia wins gold just as Saros was for his Finland.
