Russia
Outlook: The Russians long have dominated Olympic hockey tournaments, and when the club has faltered on the international stage, it has often been due to internal conflict. The Salt Lake team will be without the country's top defenseman, Sergei Zubov, and one of its premier goal scorers, winger Alexander Mogilny; both have denied requests to play. Still, on paper, there are few defenses. Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin could be the difference in elimination games, and there is no shortage of size, speed or skill on the roster.
Key Player: Center Igor Larionov is a legend in Russia, and though he is no longer a truly elite player at age 40, he remains a key leader. The Russian team faltered badly at the 1996 World Cup because of dressing room politics, and Larionov and Coach/General Manager Slava Fetisov are national heroes capable to uniting various factions and fostering a team-first environment. A gold medal would be a fitting conclusion for Larionov's career, and his unparalleled hockey intellect gives the club another coach on the ice.
Hometown Heroes: Capitals defenseman Sergei Gonchar was one of the first players named to the Russian team and his offensive abilities should only be enhanced by the larger international ice surface. Andrei Nikolishin was also selected to the team and will be Russia's primary checking center, drawing the same difficult defensive assignments he welcomes with Washington. Nikolishin also has strong leadership qualities.
Olympic medal count: 8 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze (includes medals won by Soviet Union).
In 1998: Silver medal, 5-1 record.
Preliminary schedule:
Feb. 15, Russia vs. Qualifier
Feb. 16, Russia vs. United States
Feb. 18, Russia vs. Finland
quarterfinals begin Feb. 20.
Olympics