Not exactly what you would expect to hear, but thats what happened. Cherepanov appeared to be benched for the most of the 3rd period. Perhaps it was because he was more or less invisible for the first 2 periods, or perhaps it was because Nemchinov saw a matchup he liked, but I have to tell you, to bench your most talented forward, when seemingly more than half the game is played with a man advantage (Canada took something like 14 penalties), and many a time with 2 men up, is just unforgivable. I dont get it. Cherepanov was creating chances everytime he was out there in the 3rd, yet he still couldnt buy ice time out there.

On the flip side, Artem Anisimov saw a ton of ice time, and showcased some good hockey instincts coupled with good size. He had a few chances to score, but didnt. He played very well.

Again though, don’t take too much stock into this 1 game, there are 7 more to go. But I would be curious to hear Nemchinovs reasoning for benching Cherepanov, though I am sure it will come out in the media soon enough.

-Inferno

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Disgusting, the ice is just disgusting out there. It looks like they are trying to skate on gravel. Canada has really taken control of this game, due in part to even more terrible goaltending, this time by Varlamov who has let in his share of softies.

The 2nd did showcase a spectacular shift by our own Artem Anisimov, who used his size to get to the slot and had a point blank shot that Mason saved, and he used his size and skill to set up a few other plays, and to help keep control of the puck. Cherepanov didnt do anything in the period, evertime he had the puck, it either hopped over his stick, or he fell down. I wouldnt look too much into his performance based on this game. Honestly I wouldnt look too much into any players performance, the ice and the reffing has really left a ton to be desired (something like 16 penalties called so far)

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Don’t know if youve had the pleasure of watching the Canada/Russia super series, but its been a pleasure to finally see live hockey once again. So lets get to it. First, the overall play was actually quite poor. The refs were calling everything, and I mean everything, including things that didn’t even happen. It was a powerplay fest out there littered with mental breakdowns by both clubs in both zones. Definitely a see-saw period with Russia carrying the play to start, and Canada carrying it at the end.

The goaltending was horrific out there, 3 of the 4 goals were soft, and the 4th goal was on a penalty shot, so really no “true” goals yet.

Onto the players youre interested in, Alexei Cherepanov and Artem Anisimov.

First lets start with Anisimov, hes been noticeable only because of his size (so far). Hes huge out there, and you see him because of that, but he hasn’t been particularly noticeable because of his actual game play. Then there is Cherepanov, who is noticeable because the second he touches the puck, the stadium starts to buzz. He made one beautiful centering pass from behind the net, but it looks like his game has really been hurt by the poor ice. A guy known for his ability to control the puck and make good plays, hes been hampered with a bouncing puck.

Terrible ice there, not really benefiting either team, but definitely hurting the play for us fans.

-Inferno

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