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Viktor Fedorov: Print Hungry Dad Turns To Larin For Attention
by IwoCPO on 02/20/08 at 03:45 AM ET
Comments (14)
Green Bay Mike, our Russian A2Y Correspondent, checked in late last night and brings us the latest from Igor Larin. I’ll leave it to George Malik to comment on the accuracy of Larin’s reporting in the past. For now, Daddy Feds seems to thinks a return to Detroit is in everyone’s best interests. And, in true Viktorian fashion, he’s got plenty to say about the Wings in general.
Believe me, if Detroit doesn’t improve in “the hockey thought” and athleticism, it will fail in play-offs again.
Igor Larin (IL): How would you comment rumors about the imminent Sergei’s trade?
Viktor Fedorov (VF): These aren’t rumors but real conversations. My son is definitely going to leave Columbus, there are no doubts. I know that there are several NHL clubs that are actively seeking his services and are in contact with his agents. I have no doubt that all will be decided by the trade deadline.
IL: Is it possible that Columbus would retain Sergei?
VF: I hope not. Right now isn’t the time to dot all i’s but the personnel policies of the this team’s management as well as the coaching staff are raising a lot of doubts. I don’t see any sense to waste any time there.
IL: You slammed Detroit Red Wings quite a few times in recent years. Is it a good option?
VF: It’s for Sergei to decide. My personal opinion: it was a big mistake for the Red Wings to part ways with Sergei. Since then the club hasn’t proven anything t o anyone, and didn’t win anything. At the same time, after-Detroit seasons weren’t successful for Sergei either. That’s why I think Detroit is the best option for Sergei at this time.
IL: Are you bothered by the Red Wings’ 6 game loosing slump?
VF: I’ve never said that the team didn’t have weak spots. Take a look at goalies, the defense – there is a lot of work there. Believe me, if Detroit doesn’t improve in “the hockey thought” and athleticism, it will fail in play-offs again.
IL: It looks like Fedorov could replace obviously tired Datsyuk on the first line who is still a “cultural outsider” in the City of Motors despite all of his virtues.
VF: I wouldn’t put all pressure on Datsyuk. He looked really good in the last playoffs. But in any case there are lines in Detroit that need to be reinforced.
IL: How much does Sergei want to return to Detroit?
VF: He’s a professional; he’ll play in the club that would give Columbus the best compensation. But out whole family would be happy if that team is Detroit. We still have two houses in Detroit area, and we call that city our “almost home”. We are still renting in Columbus…
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Comments
Fedorov could replace obviously tired Datsyuk on the first line
ZOMG!
What a perceptive fella is Igor Larin. I mean, that three-assist performance, he was obviously tired. His relentless backchecking and 100% effective penalty-killing, well, he was obviously tired and is just not performing.
Whereas a 37-year-old Fedorov who hasn’t put up more than 50 points since he left the Wings, and as shown by Dave at Gorilla Crouch actually makes the BJs worse, would slot right in just fine on the top line.
who is still a “cultural outsider” in the City of Motors
Also obvious, because nobody but a cultural outsider would sign a seven-year contract covering their prime years, and then build their dream house in that place. It’s not like this team has any history with Russians, after all.
Other obvious points to make: salmon live in trees and eat pencils, Freemasonry invented the Dutch language and is responsible for fog, and I’m the Barber of Seville.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Bizarro World on 02/20/08 at 05:59 AM ET
Oh so Detroit is Sergei’s best option now? (not that he has a choice) What about all those years of whining about how Detroit mistreated him?
If the trade happens, Viktor will be crying about Detroit all over again. I get the feeling that the guy would only be happy if Sergei were back on the Red Army team.
Also, it looks like he’s been reading all the traditional hockey media. Weak goaltending! I’ll never understand that reasoning. Dom and Osgood have been two of the better goalies in the league this season.
Saying the defense is a little shallow and/or inexperienced at the bottom end is one thing. Criticizing the goaltending is just ridiculous. A lot of teams would kill to have one goalie as good as the Wings’ two.
Posted by Matt Saler from Grand Rapids, MI on 02/20/08 at 06:18 AM ET
My favorite:
Believe me, if Detroit doesn’t improve in “the hockey thought” and athleticism, it will fail in play-offs again.
Or - If they don’t have more than three healthy defensemen, they will fail in the playoffs again.
Although I don’t see a loss in the third round as a failure - making the final four is more of an accomplishment than just squeaking in (which Columbus would hope to do).
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/20/08 at 06:23 AM ET
That’s pretty much what I got in my translation…Lots of smarm, and enough “ethnicism” regarding Jarkko Ruutu and Zdeno Chara to remind everybody that he makes Don Cherry look tolerant…
Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 02/20/08 at 07:43 AM ET
Fedorov could replace obviously tired Datsyuk on the first line
uh, yeah, in his prime. On the Wings roster, Feds is second line material and would have to accept that in order to get along.
Viktor? that boy is infected with mad cow.
Posted by cementslinger from Midland MI on 02/20/08 at 08:44 AM ET
Could Kenny structure the deal so that every time Viktor opens his mouth Sergei loses $10,000?
That might be the only way to keep dear old dad’s yap shut.
Posted by wingsfanindenver from 'lanche land on 02/20/08 at 09:07 AM ET
As someone from the City of Motors, I’d like to say that I love, absolutely love Pavel Datsyuk. And I really think the city agrees with me. He is in no way a “cultural outsider” (what does that mean?), and, there is no way in hell Sergei could replace him on the first line.
Posted by J on 02/20/08 at 10:06 AM ET
Ha!
Guess that makes Sergei a theater kid? Freaky creatures, they are…
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the AV Club, a step above the Drama crowd on 02/20/08 at 11:18 AM ET
Guess that makes Sergei a theater kid?
You have to admit it would explain a lot.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/20/08 at 11:40 AM ET
I wish someone would break his jaw with a puck.
Yikes! Miss B has her dander up again. Viktor and Lady Laperriere better hire some bodyguards because the only thing worse than a woman scorned is one with a grudge against those who’ve wronged her team. 
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 02/20/08 at 11:53 AM ET
Or just wire his jaw shut - there doesn’t have to be a break. 
I just look at it as if it were my dad - Sergei Fedorov is about my age (within a year, I think) and so his dad would be about the age of my dad, and I know what I would say if my dad started spouting off on my behalf to his lapdog minion of a reporter.
It would start with “I love you, and I know you have my best interests at heart, but this isn’t helping”, move to “I have a voice and a spine of my own, and both are in fine working order” and possibly finish with “be quiet and let my agent do his job.”
It would be different if he was a young kid. He’s a grown man and is quite capable of speaking up for himself.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/20/08 at 12:50 PM ET
You have to admit it would explain a lot.
Sigh…yeah, it would.
If Sergei is a theater kid, he’s doing small-town amateur productions of The Glass Menagerie or Death of A Salesman with delusions of Hollywood-level talent and fame.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the lighting rig high above the stage on 02/21/08 at 03:59 AM ET
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Hmmm…
Viktor has such good “hockey thought” himself, and knows exactly what the team should do…
Maybe he should be a broadcaster!
I wish someone would break his jaw with a puck.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/20/08 at 05:16 AM ET