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One of the most talented Russian forward and Columbus Blue Jackets leader has confirmed that the team didn't allow him to play at the World Hockey championships.
''Yes, it's true that the team didn't let me go'' he said in an interview with ''Sovetskij Sport''.
''However, I still watched the tournament, not all the games but play-off rounds'' Panarin noted. ''I saw the quarter-final against Canada but what can I say? The guys fought but it's disappointing that we didn't win in OT''.
In the game against Russia Connor McDavid scored three goals clinching Canada a spot in the semi-final.
Panarin praised the Canadian superstar - ''He is a very fast player, he deserves all the attention he is getting. He doesn't stand in one place and re-direct pucks. He is a monster. Very good forward has incredible hockey sense, he is fast and has very good hands''
Panarin also noted that McDavid would destroy KHL. ''We have no competition in KHL. NHL? NHL is the best league in the world, but Russian hockey system is built in a different manner.''
''In NHL you have a battle from round one of the playoffs but in Russia? When was the last time first round went seven games when the strongest teams are playing? SKA and CSKA go through first two rounds sweeping 4-0. They can smoke cigarettes while playing and only start preparing for Conference finals.'' Panarin added.