Why isn't Kovalchuk on team Russia?

[1989]

Honestly, while Radulov and Kovalchuk could add even more depth to the potent Russian offence, it's really not what that nation needs to succeed, positionally.

Been said before, but a Russian star defenseman or two would really make a difference for their national team. Offence just isn't enough, and their team defence is also not on par in terms of effort and perhaps even ability. Sweden, Finland, Canada, USA, even teams like Switzerland are fantastic with not only their on-ice personnel but also with their team defensive structures and systems covering up any deficiencies they may have.

When will Russia catch up? They might play exciting and creative offence, but it's just not enough to win - and last I checked, that's sort of the point.

 

[Atas2000]

There are two reasons:

This coach and his personal grudges.

NHL's stupid format with naming rosters lightyears before the tournament.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Lol, Znarok doesn't have anything against Kovy, he plays on Znarok's KHL team afterall. He just was really bad the last season, and now... well, the train is gone.

 

[kunekune]

After a great start to the season and hard summer training he was named as first person to replace injured player. I wouldn't be surprised if Telegin gets "injured" in exhibition games and Kovy takes his place.

 

[Kshahdoo]

After a great start to the season and hard summer training he was named as first person to replace injured player. I wouldn't be surprised if Telegin gets "injured" in exhibition games and Kovy takes his place.

I doubt it, Telegin is better than Namestnikov.

 

[tade]

It doesn't matter if there would be Kovalchuk or Radulov. Yes, Radulov deserves spot on this team, but the difference with him would be slim to none. This team needs defense so much. That's the area for major upgrade. The forwards are on the elite level.

Russia can only hope for Provorov, Sergachev to become elite defensemen and integral part of Russian defense for years to come...

 

[HabsQC]

There are two reasons:

This coach and his personal grudges.

NHL's stupid format with naming rosters lightyears before the tournament.

Yeah how stupid from them to name players from another galaxy. Lightyears measure distance, not time.

 

[Atas2000]

Yeah how stupid from them to name players from another galaxy. Lightyears measure distance, not time.

People who don't get the irony and lack imagination and sense of humor shouldn't be allowed to read my posts.

 

[sepHF]

Isn't this tournament NHL players only?

Kovi plays in the KHL, so there's your answer

 

[WMT]

Isn't this tournament NHL players only?

Kovi plays in the KHL, so there's your answer

Not really. Finland, Russia, Czech Rep will have KHL players. Russia just didn't name him to the team. They have three guys from their league at the moment:

Vadim Shipachyov, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)
Ivan Telegin, CSKA Moscow (KHL)
Evgeny Dadonov, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)

 

[sepHF]

Not really. Finland, Russia, Czech Rep will have KHL players. Russia just didn't name him to the team. They have three guys from their league at the moment:

Vadim Shipachyov, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)
Ivan Telegin, CSKA Moscow (KHL)
Evgeny Dadonov, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)

ah look at that, guess I was mistaken. Figured an NHL tourney would just have NHL players

 

[AlwaysARanger]

Datsyuk too in KHL, he's playing in WC.