This does read as pretty big flamebait. Someone mentioned a well-known former Wing that isn't on Team Russia also. I'm actually surprised because he has continued to put up solid numbers in Atlanta, especially game winners and without nearly as many shot opportunities as Pavel. People have mentioned Federov, at 40, may play defense and also that Russian defenders all seem much more offense-minded
. Dare I say Ozolinsh-esque?
Maybe it's just team chemistry or people feel like he doesn't exemplify the work ethic of the other Russian stars? From what I remember, about as clutch as clutch could be against famous Canadian goalies with Stanley Cup rings stuffed in their ears. He wasn't listed in the offical NHL press release either, despite putting up numbers which are quite comparable to Datsyuk. He was not on the 1998 or the 2002 or the 2006 roster, either - then ostensibly because so many Wings were already an important component of Team Russia. Maybe he's just not interested in the Olympics?
I am surprised that he was not listed as an alternate, either.
My opinion only, but the elder #13 deserves a shot if Team Russia wants to win gold. Whether or not he gets a lot of ice time or is only on the power play, I think he can help lead the team when their spirit is lost, even if the
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