Olympic Men`s Hockey Breakdown part 2

Team Russia

Goalies:
Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix)
Evgeni Nabokov (San Jose)
Semyon Varlamov (Washington)

Russia`s goal tending is strong. Illya Bryzgalov,Evgeni Nabokov and Semyon Varlomov are all having great seasons. Injuries have plauged Varlamov lately put he has proven this season that he can be a starting goalie. Illya Bryzgalov is top 10 in wins with 32 a goals against of 2.30 and a save percentage of .920. Evgeni Nabokov is having one of his best season and will get most of the load for Russia.

Forwards:
Maxim Afinogenov (Atlanta)
Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit)
Sergei Fedorov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)
Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta)
Viktor Kozlov (Salavat Ufa)
Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh)
Alexei Morozov (Ak Bars Kazan)
Alexander Ovechkin (Washington)
Alexander Radulov (Salavat Ufa)
Alexander Semin (Washington)
Danis Zaripov (Ak Bars Kazan)
Sergei Zinoviev (Salavat Ufa)

Russia has some of the best snipers in the game and one of the best players in the NHL today. Alex Ovchekin one of the best players in the game today. Will lead the offensive charge for Russia, but will have a lot of help, with guys like Kovalchuck who have scored 40 or more goals in five straight season and is well on his way to six with 31 goals in 55 games. Malkin since entering the NHL in 2006 has been the top point getter and when on his game is nearly impossible to stop. Semin who has one of the best releases in the game will be a threat and if not covered can be very dangerous. Pavel Datsyuk will be a threat every time hes on the ice. He is a terrific passer and will generate alot with the snipers hes playing with. If these Russia forwards put it all together and score goals like they do Russia looks destined for gold.

Defence:
Sergei Gonchar (Pittsburgh)
Denis Grebeshkov (Edmonton)
Dmitri Kalinin (Salavat Ufa)
Konstantin Korneyev (CSKA Moscow)
Andrei Markov (Montreal)
Ilya Nikulin (Ak Bars Kazan)
Fedor Tyutin (Columbus)
Anton Vonchenkov (Ottawa)

Russias defense will be just fine. They will be able to produce with guys like Sergei Gonchar and Andrei Markov manning the points. Both players are excellent power play specialists and will lead the charge. Anton Volchenkov is a great shut down man and will be counted on to play against teams best lines. Tyutin will complement Volchenkov and will be vital in shutting down teams best players. Grebeshkov has struggled this season and will need to find his game, otherwise his giveaways may cost Russia.