Daniil Markov says he won't play!!!

[wilka91*]

Yeah, that what he told Sovetsky Sport in this interview (in Russian) : http://www.sovsport.ru/gazeta/default.asp?p=2&date=2004/6/23&id=157578

Summary :

Markov says he underwent a shoulder surgery on June 3rd, and it should take 3 or 4 months to recover. But according to him, the injury is not what motivated his decision to skip the World Cup. Just as Khabibulin mentionned a few days ago, Markov thinks that the situation in the Russian Hockey Federation is chaotic. In fact Markov told GM Igor Tuzik about his surgery 2 weeks before coach Bilyaletdinov contacted him personnally, and had no idea Markov had surgery!!!
Finally Markov says he has nothing against Tuzik, but doesn't understand why Igor Larionov wasn't named Russia's GM since he's certainly the most respected person among Russian NHL players.

Click to read more...

 

[Markov]

I can't blame him. That situation is so ****ed up it isn't funny.

 

[RoyIsALegend*]

This is turning into a comedy show.

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation is one big joke.

 

[Bill McNeal]

I'm a Canadian fan and this is frustrating for me, so I can't even imagine how you Russian fans feel. This tournament is supposed to be best on best, but when one of the top hockey countries in the world has all these dropouts, it really tarnishes it.

 

[TORRUS]

But, this federation won't last long, for sure! There is no way this situation continues after the world cup. Khabibulin, Markov... No way Russians will tolerate this situation any more. Larionov will be chosen as GM.

 

[ZombieMatt]

This is becoming embarassing for Russia.

 

[sbutler66]

This is just getting stupid and is frustrating for a neutral fan, let alone you poor Russian supporters. This has to be resolved soon. Not only was the deadline extended, but they submitted a team that seemed never destined to ice!!

 

[Markov]

This is becoming embarassing for Russia.

This is what Russia needs. Maybe when the team hits the lowest point they can go, some changes are going to be made. That's sad but true.

 

[loadie]

This really is unfortunate, that this is happening. It should be best vs best, and it's sad that Russia won't be able to do that. I hope everything gets straightened out for future tournaments.

 

[TORRUS]

This really is unfortunate, that this is happening. It should be best vs best, and it's sad that Russia won't be able to do that. I hope everything gets straightened out for future tournaments.

It will be best vs best, but not for this tournament. The world cup doesn't mean much in comparison to Olympic games. Everybody is more serious when it comes down to Olympic games and so is (and will be) Russian federation.

 

[wilka91*]

Hopefully Fetisov and Larionov will be at the head of the federation in 2006.

 

[MOGiLNY]

This is what Russia needs. Maybe when the team hits the lowest point they can go, some changes are going to be made. That's sad but true.

Remember 2000 when we lost to ****in Latvia?? And what has changed since then?

 

[Hockeyfan02]

So Markov gets a free pass while Khabibulin is "turning his back on his country".......The Russian Hockey federation should have hired Fetisov. They need to start thinking whats right for their players and get out of the past.

 

[Gags1288]

So Markov gets a free pass while Khabibulin is "turning his back on his country".......The Russian Hockey federation should have hired Fetisov. They need to start thinking whats right for their players and get out of the past.

Well he did just have shoulder surgery.

 

[littleHossa]

This just occured to me, but is this Khabibulin's contract year? Maybe he doesn't want to have any bad performances for Feaster to bring out during negociations, he already had a bit of a shaky regular season. If Feaster starts by saying that Khaby got shelled with his all-star russian line-up, against goaltenders lower payed than what he's asking etc you get the idea.

 

[hardcore_fan]

This tournament can't be used for negotiating purposes.

 

[gallagher]

This just occured to me, but is this Khabibulin's contract year? Maybe he doesn't want to have any bad performances for Feaster to bring out during negociations, he already had a bit of a shaky regular season. If Feaster starts by saying that Khaby got shelled with his all-star russian line-up, against goaltenders lower payed than what he's asking etc you get the idea.

Khibibulin's option has already been picked up (6.5 next year), so this isn't a concern.

 

[Canuck21t]

It will be best vs best, but not for this tournament. The world cup doesn't mean much in comparison to Olympic games. Everybody is more serious when it comes down to Olympic games and so is (and will be) Russian federation.

The World Cup is important. The NHL might not go to the Olympics so this may be the last best vs. best for a long time.

 

[TORRUS]

The World Cup is important. The NHL might not go to the Olympics so this may be the last best vs. best for a long time.

It is important but not as much as the Olympics! Although it is possible I don't want to belive in that (NHL not going to the Olympics). I hope everything gets straithened (between NHL and IIHF) till Torino cause I want to see the best vs best.