lol...go ahead and make yourself look bad by being a biased NYR fan.
Provy is not a top 10 Dmen over guys who have proven themselves thru multiple years. But he is certainly a #1 Dman and is likely right in the convo with everyone in the 11-20 range.
Tied for 3rd in ES goals.
Tied for 11th in ES points
Great defensively even though he has been making more mistakes lately than normal.
This was a translated interview he did posted by CSKA1974 on Feb 23rd. THIS gives you insight on how much hockey means to him, and what his priorities are. I bolded some of them.
Q: You have been having more ice time this season than the last one. You, probably, will set your personal scoring record. How is this season different for you?
A: I am feeling more comfortable both in the locker room and on the ice. It’s easier to play one’s own game having played a season. I used to play too cautious, too safe. This season I am trying to help my team not only on defense, but on offense as well. As for the personal records, this is my only second NHL season, of course, my numbers have to improve.
Q: Was it hard to get used to the serious opponents?
A: It had taken me about 10-15 games to get used to this level, after that I felt comfortable. I would not say I was afraid or nervous last season, I just played cautiously and would not join an attack.
Q: Your average ice time is more than 24 minutes, with the tough NHL schedule, recuperation is very important. Do you have a special recipe for your on ice endurance?
A: In our team we have everything we need to recuperate well and to be optimally prepared for the next game. I get massages often, go to steam room, take cold and hot bath and so forth to keep my muscles in tonus.
Q: Nolan Patrick said that you were practicing 10 hours daily in the summer.
A: Yes, it is so. How do I manage that? I take 3-4 weeks vacation before I return to the serious training. I start my training in July. My training regimen is hard -I need to have top endurance for a long season.
Q: So, you do not practice at all during your vacation?
A: Just a little bit. May run on a beach at 6:00 a.m, or swim, or play team sports with my siblings. I do not go to the weight room- my body needs rest.
After your game with Saint Louis a few fans called you a “Terminator”, a “Tank”, “Jesus" and even promised to name their children after you.
A: It’s always flattering when fans like your game. It’s truly awesome.
Q: What’s the most unusual compliment from the fans?
A: Honestly, I don’t remember. Perhaps, because I do not spend my time on social media. I have an Instagram account, but I rarely get there. Frankly, I do not want to spend my free time on that. It’s not interesting.
Q: But does comparison with Gonchar and Zubov flatter you?
A: I’ve heard about that. But both Gonchar and Zubov were elite players. It’s too soon to compare, as I am just making my first steps in the professional hockey.
Q: I asked Sergachev this question and will ask you as well. You are being constantly compared to each other, does that competition incite you?
A: We are good friends with Michael. He had trained and lived with me. I am always happy when he scores and plays well. We do not consider each other competition.
“I have never try alcohol, and I am not going to”
Q: There is no competition in TOI for you in Philadelphia. How do your team mates react to that?
A: Sometimes they joke about it. Ask me if I am tired if I played less than 20 minutes. But mostly we have different topics to talk about - team play, for instance.
Q: A goalie can lose almost 10 pounds per game. How much do you lose with your ice time of 25 minutes?
A: A lot. I sweat profusely. Sometimes I lose 8-10 pound per game.
Q: How did you get back to normal?
A: I drink a lot fluid after the game to replenish my electrolytes. My body needs a lot of water and electrolytes.
Q: Philadelphia lost 10 games in a row. Did the players realize why that had happened?
A: We talked a lot about that, worked on our errors. We realized that we may have outplayed our opponents in some games, but either we gave away the games, or we just were out of luck.
Q: Voracek said that after 10 losses all of you gathered in a bar and got drunk. And then you started winning.
A: That was the case. I would not say that all of us got drunk; it was just a team dinner. Those who wanted had a few drinks. That’s all.
Q: What’s your attitude toward alcohol?
A: Negative. I have never had a drink, and I am not going to. I consider sport and alcohol to be incompatible, especially during a season. But, to each it’s own.
Q: It’s said that a glass of red wine is good for one’s health
A: I have never tried alcohol and I am not planning to. I do not need it.
Q: Even a glass of Champaign for New Year?
A: No.
Q: Bryzgalov stated that there were players in Philadelphia who would not sit next to him at dinners. Are there any current players that you would not sit next to?
A: It’s not the case. I can’t talk for Bryzgalov, but, perhaps, he was joking? Our team is very tight; we have great relationships with each other. Pranks, of course, happen- one’s socks or laces may get hidden, but it’s all in a good nature.
Q: Who is the biggest prankster?
A: Captain Giroux, sometimes Raffle. But mostly Claude.
“I will fight if needed”
Q: Is your team ready to get into playoff and win a first round (it has not happened in 5 seasons?)
A: I believe we are ready. When we get to playoffs we will play to fo as far as we can. We will see.
Q: You said recently that your plan is to become a 60 points scorer. What do you have to do to get there?
A: I need to continue working in training and during games. Everything will come with time. Doughty and Karlsson have not become 70 point scorers in one season. I think I will be able to reach this target in a couple of years.
Q: 60 games/ 12 penalty minutes. How do you manage to stay out of the box?
A: I always think on the ice, I always strive to be in a good position and to work with my legs rather than with my stick.
Q: Do you like to fight? You participated in brawl in Calgary last season.
A: I would not call that a fight. Just a bit of pushing and shoving. I have nothing against fights, and will fight if needed. But, again, I am trying to spend more time on the ice and to help my team in hockey sense.
Q: Have you been provoked a lot by agitators?
A: Each team has it’s own agitators. I do not pay any attention to them. Once they realize you do not respond they will let you be.
Q: You are very calm and cool on the ice. What about life?
A: The same- calm and balanced. I don’t even remember when I was agitated last time. Perhaps, something extraordinary has to happen for me to lose my cool.
“Nobody went to a casino when we were in Vegas”
Q: This is your second NHL season. Could you name a line that you have had the hardest time playing against?
A: It’s hard to single out one line. I am playing against top lines of each team- all of them are dangerous.
Q: Nikita Kucherov said that he video analyzes his every shift after the game. Do you?
A: Of course. Either in a training facility or at home, but I always analyze my mistakes.
Q: your defense partner Shayne Gostisbehere said: “Provi has all the skills you would want to see..” What can you say about him? Are you comfortable playing with him?
A: We understand each other form a ½ word. Shayne is very dynamic and active player, who likes and is capable of playing ofence and create chances. We hit it of from the very beginning.
Q: If you were offered to invite any Russian player to Philadelphia who would it be?
A: thare are a lot of good players to choose from. Ovechkin has been scoring 50 goals almost every season, Kucherov would be good, Malkin is playing on such a high level.
Q: Would you invite Sergachev?
A: Of course! It would be awesome to be able to play on the same team as him.
Q: Nikita Kucherov scored a no shot goal during the All Star game. Have you tried something like that?
A: I saw the goal. Nikita is a great master. He can score in many ways. I tried in training, even scored some. Every player tries something unusual in training.
Q: How many tries would you need to succeed in shot less goal?
A: I have not tried during a game. Nikita and I play different positions, I have fewer chances to be on a brakeaway. If I ever have a chance I will try this or maybe something totally different.
Q: Vegas team is a surprise of the season? How did they achieve that?
A: We played them recently. They are very fast and active team. They shoot a lot. Additionally, they play with a lot of will and energy, hence, their success.
Q: Have you played in a casino in Vegas?
A: we did not have any time for that, nobody went to a casino when we were ther. Frankly, every player can make their own choice- what’s more important to them: getting ready for a game or play in a casino.
Q: Do you Gamble?
A: I have never played and I am not going to. Waste of time and money.
“I do not waste my money”
Q: Do you follow KHL, Lokomotiv?
A: Of course, I do. I may not have time to watch every game, but I follow the standings and keep in touch with a few guys.
Q: How is your younger brother doing? Is there ever a chance to see two Provorovs in the NHL?
A: Everything is fine with Vova, he loves hockey, and he is working hard. I hope to have a chance to play with him or against him.
Q: Who gave you the best advice in your professional career?
A: My dad- he said that there were no limits for perfection; one can improve at any age. And it’s not just about hockey. I believe these are most important words for me. I follow this advice every single day, I try to get better and better. I talk to my father before and after every game, discuss my errors together. He is my complete and honest fan.
Q: You said that you prefer reading and movies to social media. What was you last book, movie?
A: My last book was Bob Orr’s biography. Movie? I would recommend “Men of Honor”. It’s a bit older, but I like it a lot.
Q: Sergachev said that he had plenty of free time in “non game” days. How about you?
A: I try to spend more time at the rink, even if there is no game that day. Additionally, I am actively recuperating during these days- I have to take care of my body. When I do have free time I watch movies, have dinners with my team mates, attend basketball and football games. We do not do anything extraordinary.
Q: Gostisbeher said that he almost instantly fell in love with Philadelphia. Do you like the city?
A: It’s comfortable. A lot of interesting places, good restaurants. There are many places of interest- Art museum, Rodin museum etc.
Q: Philadelphia is well known around the world with its cream cheese. Is it really that good?
A: Not my favotite, but my parents enjoy it.
Q: How do you spend your money?
A: I am not spending it senselessly. I buy the things I need, I take my parents on vacations, go to the movies. I do not waste my money, I do not see any sense in dropping big sums of money in a casino.
Q: What was your last expensive purchase?
A: I bought a car last year. It’s a necessity here. Perhaps, that was my biggest recent purchase.
