The Russian national team had their team photo taken today for the IIHF World Championships. Dmitry Orlov and Evgeny Kuznetsov were on hand with their teammates and spoke with the media following the photo session.
Photo: Fhr.ru
Orlov has felt good despite not skating for the last two days. He spoke about moving on from the Capitals Game 7 loss and not worrying about his contract situation.
“I feel good. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly tomorrow. Last year, I adapted way quicker to the bigger ice. Right now, I’m trying not to think about the defeat of the Washington Capitals,” Orlov said. “I need to be positive with the national team. It doesn’t matter that I don’t have a contract at the moment. It was the same situation last year and at the World Cup.”
Kuznetsov said the same thing with regards to moving past the way the Caps season ended and the contract. He mentioned that he received well wishes from Alex Ovechkin.
“It’s clear that the guys are in a good mood, there is a positive atmosphere here. I don’t mind who I play with in one line, all of us are hockey players. Coming to the national team will help me not focus on what went wrong in Washington, I will think about the NHL season after the World Championship,” said Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov added, “Before traveling here, Alexander Ovechkin wished me luck. I don’t have any problems playing on the big ice, I’m comfortable. Despite the players stating that the ice on the large arena is bad, the training rink is in good condition. I immediately agreed to play for Russia at this tournament. I didn’t think about the fact that I don’t have a contract.”
Your #TeamRussia. Ready for more exciting moments at the #IIHFWorlds? pic.twitter.com/53OIYAzDVO
— Russia Hockey (@russiahockey_en) May 14, 2017
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By Michael Marzzacco
