In an Alternate Universe, What If? (Russia)

[Hanji]

...Finland is a better defensive team, at forward and on defense, imo...that's what I meant...Russia has Star power on the wings and in goal...I personally think the Finns beat them more often than not...

Finland is not a better defensive team; not at the highest levels with their notable lack of talent on the back end.
This isnt the world championships or u20s here.

They are 1-5 in the last 2 best on bests (with relevant players to today’s rosters) giving up 23 goals.
Russia even shut them out at the 2016 world cup with a worse D-core than they have now.

 

[daver]

I think yes, as Canada has the edge up front and on defense, but obviously severely outclassed in net. USA has slightly better forwards, much better D, and goaltending is even for me (remember, only one goalie can play).

Can you please explain how goaltending cost Canada its championship this year. Or at anytime when they actually did lose a best-on-best?

Like the team in general, their goalie, whoever it is, ups their game when the stakes are at their highest. I wouldn't count on Canada losing anytime soon due to goaltending.

 

[Daishi]

Russia took Ovechkin and Kovalchuk and others even to World Champs vs non-NHL players multiple times and busted out more often than not. It's not a top4 country in international competition. Hasn't been for a long time. The stigma is that their coaching is poor, team spirit is poor, and everyone plays either just for themselves or comes only to show up.