Saturday, February 16, 2002
Russian goalie struggles
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun
SALT LAKE CITY -- It took 10 years for Nikolai Khabibulin to pick up his first gold medal, this time he'd like this pursuit to last only 10 days.
Twenty-four hours after receiving a replacement medal the Russian goalie had taken away by coach Viktor Tikonhov in Albertville, Khabibulin began his new chase on a shaky note.
Yes, the Tampa Bay goalie made 29 saves in a 6-4 Russian win over Belarus in the opener, but he'd like to improve, especially with a game against the United States tomorrow.
"It's hard to be satisfied with my performance," said Khabibulin, who had his gold taken away because a soured Tikonhov wasn't awarded one. He didn't believe the young backup goalie had earned it.
On paper, the Russians should have blown away Belarus, a qualifier. But after pulling out to a 3-1 lead on goals by Sergei Samsonov, Alexei Zhamnov and rookie Ilya Kovalchuk, they let the opposition crawl back.
While Belarus pulled goalie Sergei Shabanov after he allowed three goals on 14 shots in the first period, in favour of Andrei Mezin, Sergei Fedorov, Alexei Yashin and Boris Mironov also scored goals.
Still, the goals Khabibulin allowed were not pretty. The first one was five-hole and two others were floaters. That's not the kind of goaltending that's going to win the 1998 silver medallists the championship.
"I don't think it was (Khabibulin's fault)," said Zhamnov. "We scored a couple of quick goals and then we just kind of got outplayed. We can't afford to lose our focus."
Kovalchuk, with a goal and an assist on a line with Fedorov, stole the show.
Khabibulin would probably cherish a gold medal from this tournament more than the one he received from IIHF president Rene Fasel Friday.
"It's been 10 years, it was special, but I don't think I had any emotions left," said Khabibulin."
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
