Article: Interview with Sergei Kostitsyn

[camhockey16 5]

i think alot of nhl players arent impressed by crosby because he lacks that huge slapshot/overpowering shot that alot of other superstars have.. I think part of it is because he uses no curve at all - and to compare him to russian players that probably all use illegal curves isnt exactly a fair comparison.

Really?

A flat blade makes you a better player? A deep curve makes you a bad one?

Really?

i dont think you understand what i was trying to say - where did i say a flat blade makes you a better player? all i said was typically you shoot a little bit harder when you use a curve - even crosby was joking that his backhand is better than his forehand.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Yes, it would be nice if they'd either put up or shut up when it comes to this 'rivalry'...but it will make the lead up to the Feb 7th game more interesting.

[camhockey16 5]

Yes, it would be nice if they'd either put up or shut up when it comes to this 'rivalry'...but it will make the lead up to the Feb 7th game more interesting.

i suppose it is a good thing if it gets more viewers to watch it on tv - im also interested how malkin/ovechkin play against each other next time since their all-star game love fest...

[mrusse01 0]

Yes, it would be nice if they'd either put up or shut up when it comes to this 'rivalry'...but it will make the lead up to the Feb 7th game more interesting.

I don't see how either of them can get away with NOT fighting next game...it's going to be pretty ridiculous if they don't just line up and drop'em. It's not like either one of them is going to be able to hurt the other.

[dsjunior1388 81]

And not to mention the flak Crosby was getting from at least one reporter who mentioned that Crosby's lack of scoring was because of his straight blade :lol:. Anyone remember the article?

there was another guy who wrote that crosby would never be a goal scorer until he dropped two-pieces for a one piece.

What annoys me is that great two way players never get any credit. It's all offense in the "best in the lague category." I mean Datsyuk scored 97 points last year AND won the selke, and zetterberg scored 94 and finished 3rd in the voting. And the fact that Datsyuk can win the selke as best defensive forward while still taking the Lady Byng with 20 penalty minutes, is incredible.

[RiSeOnFiRe 0]

Unfortunately most people don't understand or see how important a good defensive play is. The most easily measurable indication of your importance to your team is goals. Its the objective of the game to score MORE than the other team, not to have the other team score LESS than you do. Goal scorers will always get the glory, But that's all media crap. GMs and coaches understand the ins and outs, so while your teams most complete player might not get the same spotlight as a sniper, take solace in the fact that the wings won the cup.

[dsjunior1388 81]

Unfortunately most people don't understand or see how important a good defensive play is. The most easily measurable indication of your importance to your team is goals. Its the objective of the game to score MORE than the other team, not to have the other team score LESS than you do. Goal scorers will always get the glory, But that's all media crap. GMs and coaches understand the ins and outs, so while your teams most complete player might not get the same spotlight as a sniper, take solace in the fact that the wings won the cup.

well I understand that from fans and media, but an NHL player of all people should recognize it.

[iamcanadian 0]

Yes, it would be nice if they'd either put up or shut up when it comes to this 'rivalry'...but it will make the lead up to the Feb 7th game more interesting.

and I'll be there

[PBRyan 0]

Is it me or does it look like Malkin has never been taught the most elementary of defensive positioning? And no I'm not just talking last year's playoffs.

The guy is atrocious in his own end. Last game he took a 3-minute shift (I'm not kidding) and single-handedly prevented the Pens from leaving the zone about three times. The shift ultimately ended in a delay of game penalty after a Pen batted his feeble clearing attempt into the stands. When people say Malkin is "better" than Crosby, it's obvious to me the value set on which their judgment is based on is pretty skewed. But talk about "dunks and threes."

Skill-wise - OK, I can see an argument. Better goal-scorer - again, sure there's an argument. But better [as a player]?

I guess he's got plenty of time.

[Chadd 916]

Is it me or does it look like Malkin has never been taught the most elementary of defensive positioning? And no I'm not just talking last year's playoffs.

The guy is atrocious in his own end. Last game he took a 3-minute shift (I'm not kidding) and single-handedly prevented the Pens from leaving the zone about three times. The shift ultimately ended in a delay of game penalty after a Pen batted his feeble clearing attempt into the stands. When people say Malkin is "better" than Crosby, it's obvious to me the value set on which their judgment is based on is pretty skewed. But talk about "dunks and threes."

Skill-wise - OK, I can see an argument. Better goal-scorer - again, sure there's an argument. But better [as a player]?

I guess he's got plenty of time.

It's just not possible to be dominant at both ends of the ice on every shift. Every great offensive player takes shifts off in his own end, even Crosby. Not knowing the shift in question or the system they are running, I can't comment on that shift. Malkin does remind me of Mario though and I've been saying that since early in his rookie year. Of course, that isn't a ringing endorsement of his defensive abilities.

[PBRyan 0]

Agree with you on that. I'd just think the fact that you can't be dominant at both ends makes proper positioning all the more important. I've seen him literally play every position on the ice in a single shift. I love watching the guy and can handle bad defense, but running around like he is apt to is a rudimentary no-no.

[chippa13 1844]

Yes, it would be nice if they'd either put up or shut up when it comes to this 'rivalry'...but it will make the lead up to the Feb 7th game more interesting.

Don't hold your breath. These two sound worse than a nasty Hollywood divorce.