What they write in North America for the Russian youth team before the start of the MFM-2022
Less than a week is left before the start of the youth world championship, and the coronavirus again unceremoniously interferes with the preparations for the tournament. Instead of 11 friendly matches in Canada, only five will be held (this is for all the teams combined), Russia will play with the “maple leaves” on the night from Thursday to Friday. In fact, this will be a test of the pen – this lineup of our guys played only with each other at the training camp in Novogorsk, and for Sergei Zubov this will be the first match with a completely youth team.
Exhibition matches have been postponed, but still everyone is already looking forward to the MFM and talking about it. The Championship gathered opinions from North America about our team, leaders and tournament prospects. And they are pretty careful.
The main thing you need to know about MFM-2022. Russia goes to Canada to fight for gold
“Michkov will be the most technical player of the Russian national team”
Two young players, even for the youth world championship, who will receive a lot of attention – Canadian Connor Bedard (he is only 16 years old, he is the youngest player in the tournament) and Russian Matvey Michkov. Both are listed in the top three in the 2023 NHL Draft.
“Bedard has a good season, he doesn’t have a lot of great talent at Regina, he could show himself with him. When Bedard, apparently, says to himself: “I’ll just do it, and no one will stop me.” I think he will be the first pick in the 2023 draft, because Matvey Michkov has a long-term contract with SKA. Clubs that choose first usually do not want to wait three years for a player to visit them. Michkov plays an amazing, very dynamic player. I think he will have an incredible tournament in the Russian national team and will be the most technical player on the team.
If we talk about their game now, Michkov, perhaps, has an advantage. But in general, it is believed that Bedard will play faster in the NHL, because he does not have a signed contract and does not need to adapt to the North American game. I wouldn’t be surprised if Michkov ends up third, because there is still Adam Fantilli, ”says Ryan Kennedy, author of The Hockey News.
“Michkov is dynamic, cunning and has a deadly shot”
“It is not often that Russia brings a player two years younger to the MCHC (read: this never happens). They are unwavering in their obsession with taking 19 year olds and not taking kids from North America. Congratulations to Matvey Michkov for demolishing this brick wall. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, because Michkov has been called “the best Russian avenue since Ovechkin’s time.” In terms of style, Michkov is more like Nikita Kucherov, which is also a good comparison. He is dynamic, cunning and has a killer throw. He is gifted in every aspect of the attacking game. He can beat you with his hands, a throw, the ability to read the game. He is a complete kit and is not afraid to showcase all kinds of abilities.
He broke Ovechkin’s record by becoming the youngest player in the Russian championships. He has five points in 13 KHL matches, in the MHL he scores 2.5 points per game and scores 1.5 goals per game. Whether he scores lacrosse-style or dodges opponents like cones, Michkov is the most visible player on the ice. Together with Bedard, they stole the show at the YChM-2021. If the coaches let them do it here, we shouldn’t be surprised if we see flashes of their genius at the MFM, ”writes The Hockey News author Tony Ferrari.
“If Askarov does not shine, Russia will have a hard time in the medal round of the MFM”
“It has been 11 years since Russia was crowned the world youth champion. Since then, they have won an impressive eight medals without ever climbing to the very top. Will they be able to change that this year?
There are questions here. Especially since the head of the department with the recently appointed Sergei Zubov decided to exclude all the players who now live on the “wrong” side of the ocean. Daniil Chaika, Daniil Gushchin and Matvey Petrov, as well as Ivan Miroshnichenko, who can be selected in the top 5 draft in 2022, may not agree with this, but it is in vain. Instead, we will see many new faces in the Russian national team, which we will study during the tournament.
Strengths of Russia
Has Askarov’s time finally come? This will be the third MFM for the first star goalkeeper. On the first, he was nervous, constantly making mistakes and eventually sat down on the bench. In the second, he initially played better, but did not pull out in the playoffs, conceding six goals in the lost semi-finals and the match for the bronze. This year Askarov plays a little, but at this level he should sparkle. If this does not happen, the Russian national team will have a hard time in the medal round.
Weaknesses
Russia will lack the creativity and tenacity of Gushchin – a player who can strengthen any link. His non-recruitment to the national team is at least puzzling. The backbone of the line of defense was Lin and Kirsanov. Interestingly, Zubov did not summon a single right-handed defender.
X – Factor
Yes, on a good day Askarov is a world-class talent. Yes, the center of the Khusnutdins is the glue that binds defense and attack together. But if we talk about the X-factor, then it cannot be denied that a new elephant has appeared in the room.
Michkov will not be able to legally drink a glass of champagne and eat caviar for another year, but the youngest Russian is still the most intriguing player. If Ovechkin’s real heir ever appears, it may well be Michkov. Wherever he played, he scored, scored, and then scored more. On December 9, he turned 17, and even before his birthday he established himself in SKA and began playing with rivals, and also became the youngest debut of the national team, ”writes the Habs blog about the prizes.
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“It’s hard to imagine that this Russian team will fight for the MCHM gold.”
“It’s hard to imagine that this Russian team will fight for gold. Her main defenders are not top-ranked compared to other national teams. However, the goalkeepers allow them to fight in every match, and Russia may well reach at least the bronze medal match. Ultimately, Russia will hope for a perfect goalkeeper game and hope that unknown players can get serious jerks. Hockey Writers, writes The Hockey Writers.