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ПРЕССА
Russia's Malkin a rare breed
27.12.2005. Kingston, Gary. The Gazette.
No. 2 NHL pick in '04. Dazzling combination of toughness, vision, size and soft hands
Evgeni Malkin has been billed as the best player not in the National Hockey League.
Before the Russian teen gets there - reportedly next season with the
salivating Pittsburgh Penguins, who took him No. 2 overall in the 2004
draft - someone might want to explain to him about the league's
post-lockout edict to players to be more media friendly and accessible.
Malkin declined an interview request after the Russian's pregame skate
before their opening game of the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship
against Sweden.
Apparently, not talking the day of the game is one of his
"superstitions," although a Russian team official acknowledged the hype
surrounding the blue-chip prospect is a pressure Malkin might not be
comfortable with.
The hype is not without foundation. Scouts say Malkin possesses a rare combination of size, toughness, vision and soft hands.
The big, strong centre - he's listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, but
appears taller and heavier - was a late arrival in Canada as he
finished up pre-Christmas commitments to Metallurg Magnitogorsk, the
Russian Super Elite League team for which he plays.
Malkin, 19, leads the men's league in scoring with 15 goals and 20
assists in 32 games for first-place Magnitogorsk. For that reason, he
is expected to dominate at the worlds for an experienced Russian team
that will dress 18 19-year-olds.
In an interview on rushockey.com 10 days ago, Gennady Velichkin,
Magnitogorsk's general director, said Russian hockey officials were
"taking a risk" of burning Malkin out by tabbing him for the world
juniors and the Olympic team while he also tries to lead Magnitogorsk
to a title.
"I'm not talking about his physical condition," said Velichkin, who
clearly isn't happy to see his key player being pulled about. "I'm
talking about the emotional part, psychological pressure will overflow.
And perhaps Penguins representatives will sit on Evgeni with their
promises about beautiful overseas life."
In the Steel City?
In a recent television clip from Russia, Malkin said it was "too bad"
the Penguins - who can't wait to have Malkin and Sidney Crosby in the
same lineup - are struggling this season.
"But I think there are a lot of young players and next year or in two
years, they'll have a real line and they'll play better and be at the
top of the rankings."
Malkin, selected after countryman Alexander Ovechkin went No. 1 in the
2004 draft, might not possess the exuberant flair of the dynamic
Washington Capitals rookie, but he is exceptionally skilled and a
terrific competitor who plays a strong two-way game.
Malkin said he's benefited from having Dave King, the one-time NHL and
Canadian Olympic team coach, as his coach in Magnitogorsk. King uses
his young star on the power-play and penalty kill, and Malkin says that
trust and confidence "gives me inspiration."
King said there is plenty to like about Malkin, most notably his
tremendous anticipation that, combined with a long reach, makes him a
top-notch defensive player. And he said Malkin is
always trying to improve his game, noting that he's often the first one on the ice in practice and one of the last to leave.
During yesterday's mostly leisurely pregame skate, Malkin's puck-
handling skills were clearly evident, particularly when the Russians
were working on their power play.
"I feel that I'm growing, maturing, gaining experience," Malkin said in
an interview with Ves Hokkei newspaper that was translated on
rushockey.com. "With Dave King as our coach, we play more NHL- like
hockey. It's faster and more like they play in the NHL."
Первая страничка молодежных чемпионатов мира 2006 года
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Подгруппа А - подробнее
Канада, США, Финляндия, Швейцария, Норвегия |
Подгруппа В - подробнее
Россия, Чехия, Швеция, Словакия, Латвия |
За 7-10 места - подробнее
Швейцария, Словакия, Латвия, Норвегия |
1/4 финала - подробнее
Швеция - Финляндия
США - Чехия
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1/2 финала - подробнее
Канада - Финляндия
Россия - США |
Финал - подробнее
За 5 место. Швеция - Чехия
За 3 место. Финляндия - США
За 1 место. Канада - Россия |
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Молодежные чемпионаты мира (до 20 лет) 2006 года.
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