Follow me on Twitter for random hockey talk, question and answer sessions, and the odd witty tweet
Today in the Calgary, Eric Francis of Sun Media, Jack FM, and Hockey Night in Canada wrote an article on Evgeni Kuznetsov titled “Grow up, Kuznetsov”. Aside from the article being a rather difficult read, (That can happen when your drowning your sorrows in a few beers after a Canada loss) the article is just plain wrong. Kuznetsov doesn’t have any growing up, he’s clearly been a man playing with boys the whole tournament, it’s Eric Francis and anyone who is looking down on Kuznetsov that has to grow up.
Hockey needs more players like Kuznetsov. There is nothing wrong with how the kid plays, and if team Canada was taking exception to his extravagant celebrations, it’s their job to stop the kid. In years past Canada has always had that guy that could shut the cocky Russians up. Whether it was Weber, Phaneuf, Richards, Downie, Sutter, Legion, Cormier, etc… there was always someone to shut the cocky Russians up. This year Jenner was suppose to be that guy, but he played to safe last night. On most Canadian teams there is usually someone to bail the tough, hard-nosed, shutdown guy out when he’s not hitting, not on this team. The physical presence started and stopped with Jenner and that was the problem with this team.
Francis wrote, “After scoring his second goal of the game, Kuznetsov refused to embrace any of his four teammates, instead soaking up the limelight himself while showboating and then making his way over to the Russian bench for high-fives.” I’m fine with Kuznetsov’s celebrating and I disagree that he is a selfish player who was just showboating. Selfish players aren’t named captain of their teams. Selfish players don’t carry a team that is tried and under manned on their back to the Gold medal game.
He’s a nineteen-year-old kid, who just scored a huge goal for his team and his country. His emotions are running high and he wants to celebrate. Canada/Russia is one of the biggest rivalries in sport. I remember several Canadian goals against Russia where there was a lot of showboating. I remember Canadians skating by the other teams bench after goals pointing at the maple leaf on their chest and taunting the other team. I guess celebrating when you do something huge for your country is only classy if you’re Canadian.
Francis then goes on to write, “He was the one who selfishly tried to score on the empty net in the final minute by icing the puck and giving Canada another shot at tying the game. Smart, team players don't do that.” While I agree there the play was dumb and I wouldn’t have done it. I see nothing wrong with a player who wants to score and has the confidence in his centre to win the draw if he misses.
As for pointing out that Kuznetsov only shows up when he wants to, I have no problem with players doing that either. Just as long as when they want to show up, it’s on the big stage. Kuznetsov had 3 assists last year in the gold medal game, he had 4 points last night, and you’re acting like it’s a bad thing. As a Canucks fan, I would gladly trade the Sedin’s 100 point years for 50, if it meant they would get 30 in the playoffs. Playing your best games on the biggest stage is what makes stars legends. Kuznetsov is on his way to that status in Russia if he puts together another great performance like he did last night.
Because of articles like this, the media gets a bad reputation. They judge a player as selfish by observing him and then labeling him. No where in the article does Francis ever ask a Russian teammate how they feel about Kuznetsov. Francis says, Kuznetsov has to grow up ehh, I’d say having your brother murdered when you were 11 helps you grow up fast. I’d say an off season of getting married at 19, and losing two good friends and ex-teammates in the Lokomotiv plane crash helps you grow up fast as well.
Kuznetsov has been though more than most people, and he’s still here and thriving. Why not try and write a story about that instead? It would be a much better story and it would make you look like a sad, bitter little man whose favourite team just lost the big game.
Hockey needs players like Kuznetsov. They need player who show emotion when they score to sell the game a little. The NBA was just another sport in America until the slam-dunk came along and players started showing some emotion. The NHL needs that. If you score, have a little fun once in a while and maybe it will attract new fans because people will see hockey players no longer have the personalities of accountants.
Kuznetsov is a young, flashy, high skilled player that the league and the media should be celebrating. He plays with heart, when he needs to play with heart. He scores some incredible goals and likes to have a bit of fun when he does. Francis was right about one thing though. Kuznetsov will fit right in with the Capitals, because they have players who are fun to watch and have a little fun once in a while.
After all, Hockey’s a game, games are suppose to be fun people. So let the kid have a little fun with the game he loves. Put the hate away, and enjoy watching the kid play.
Thanks for reading.
Enjoy your night.
Ian
p.s.- here’s the link if anyone wants to read it
http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/01/04/grow-up-kuznetsov 
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»