I can't tell you whether or not Semyon Varlamov or Sergei Bobrovsky will start in Russia's net on Saturday morning versus the Team USA. Does it really matter which goalie starts against Jon Quick? Both Russian goalies are athletic and proficient at their craft. Varlamov has benefitted greatly this season in Colorado under the tutelage of Hall Of Fame head coach Patrick Roy and goaltending coach Francois Allaire. Bobrovsky is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner and has shown tremendous growth in his game since he departed the goalie graveyard in Philly.
You can bet your house that neither Russian tender will allow USA to score a touchdown on them as Jaro Halak, and Peter Budaj did on Thursday.
Quick and the Americans better be ready because the Russians will be gunning for them from the warm-ups until the sound of the final horn.
Quick made 22 saves in the USA's lopsided 7-1 victory over Slovakia on Thursday. The game looked more like an NHL exhibition game as the Slovaks mailed in their performance. Quick wasn't strong because he didn't have to be against Slovakia. The Russians will present a much more formidable front against USA. Quick better be ready for the onslaught.
Dan Bylsma selected him over Olympic silver medal winner and international hockey veteran Ryan Miller to face Ovechkin, Malkin, Semin, Datsyuk Radulov, Kovalchuk and the monster Russian offense.
Bylsma stands behind his decision to start Quick over Miller.
“He played real well in Game 1,… Bylsma said. “I thought there were periods of inactivity in that game and he had to stay sharp, stay focused, and it was followed by two or three big saves he had to make. I thought he played real well in the game, and again in the next game he will.…
Bylsma credited his decision to Quick’s work in the Olympic opener. Th ehead coach also cited Quick's recent improvement with the Los Angeles Kings. Quick missed seven weeks of playing time between November and January due to a Grade 2 groin strain that he suffered in Buffalo.
Quick better be ready to make Varlamov or Bobrovsky blink first.
“I’m sure it’s going to be loud, and a lot of emotion in the arena, so we’re looking forward to it,… Quick said. “This is the kind of game that you want to play, that you want to be a part of, so it’s going to be fun.…
Bylsma will not say whether Miller will start in the third game of the preliminary round against Slovenia on Sunday before the knockout portion of the tournament begins.
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