Russia have 1 gold in 10 years in World Juniors

[BlitzSnipe]

Putin would do 5 goals a game.

Why be so modest? He usually scores 13 or so. Just get him in the rink, the WJC is ours then .

 

[BlitzSnipe]

Yeah, great players rarely make good much less great coaches. A lot of reasons for that.

It's not only that he's a "great player", there's also his general attitude of being out there for the money. He's basically turned into a standard, corrupt Russian official. These people don't care about progress, as long as the money keeps flowing.

 

[DeysArena]

The situation in Russian junior hockey is not as bad as it looks.

This team's play was mediocre "thanks" to that fool Larionov's coaching (I was skeptical about him from the beginning. Everything that Larionov touches turns into sh1t. He has ruined too many Russian prospects as a "player agent" and now he ruined this WJC team with his incompetent "coaching").

What do you think is the problem with Larionov? I would have thought he would make a good coach.

 

[Garl]

Well you know better than I would, so I will take your word.

Maybe I'm swayed by the fact Czechoslovakia had success in some part due to the fact the Stastnys were there, and they were Slovak.

Yes, influence of Slovakia on CSSR is really siginificant, like the influence of Ukraine or USSR soccer team or Lithuania on USSR basketball team

 

[Garl]

What do you think is the problem with Larionov? I would have thought he would make a good coach.

Main problem is that Igor wants to play a swedish style of puck posession hockey, but he doesn't have players with needed skillset for this. Bragin knew this, so his teams played simple, defensive physical hockey plus, his star players always showed up.

 

[Garl]

Joke may have been too strong, but the importance is very localized. And yes it affects things very much. Best on Best, Canada has lost what, one tournament this century? Gold in 2002, 2010, 2014, World CUp in 2004, I guess 2016 although I consider that a bit of novelty money grab. And the 2006 roster was a very odd selection, but I will stipulate they weren't good enough. WHC they have won 4 of the 20 held. Based on best on best, it would seem that number should be a lot higher. It affects the best countries as well.

One could also say Ovechkin went there because he was trying to redeem himself for not still being in the playoffs by that point.

Part of the reason why Canada and USA do not do that good at WHC is probably the fact it is in May, and players are not in the best physical and mental condition after long season.
Still, Canada and even USA have almost 100% NHL roster and quite often very decent groups.

 

[DeysArena]

Main problem is that Igor wants to play a swedish style of puck posession hockey, but he doesn't have players with needed skillset for this. Bragin knew this, so his teams played simple, defensive physical hockey plus, his star players always showed up.

Ahh, so he's one of those coaches that has a system and demands that every team play to it.

 

[VVP]

Main problem is that Igor wants to play a swedish style of puck posession hockey, but he doesn't have players with needed skillset for this. Bragin knew this, so his teams played simple, defensive physical hockey plus, his star players always showed up.

I am not so sure which type of puck possession he tried to implement but the offense had no quick transitions, they rarely could create havoc in opponents end. They also never tried to cycle the puck. I actually think slow regrouping may work a bit better at men's level but at this level where over 6 games every player hustles as his life depended on it there is no way that works. This system will never create great scoring opportunities, they only happen as flukes. That is why Russianoffense looked so dull.

 

[golfortennis]

Yes, influence of Slovakia on CSSR is really siginificant, like the influence of Ukraine or USSR soccer team or Lithuania on USSR basketball team

That is interesting about those other sports. I just remember Ozolinsh and Irbe playing for Latvia and figuring there was always a couple of players from the republics that could top off the depth.