Back-channel communications?

 Michael Farber, SI, Jan. 14, 2009:

Don't expect Icky at the Igloo tonight. Rarely do even the most highly anticipated bile-fests live up to advanced billing. (Washington center Sergei Fedorov told me that the Russians on the Capitals have had "back-channel communications" with the Russian players on the Penguins and "everything's cool.")

Fedorov: Gonchar, Gonchar, do you hear me? Over.
Gonchar: Sergei, I hear you well. Over.

Fedorov: How's family? Over.
Gonchar: They are fine. My kid just moved out to his new house the other day. Over.

Fedorov: What about the other kid? Over.
Gonchar: He is still living in Mario's basement. Over.

Fedorov: Sergei, the whole nation is watching us tonight. In fact, three nations. We need to contain the kids. Can I buy you a few double Stoli's after the game? Over.
Gonchar: I'll see what I can do. I love Stoli. Vodka on the rocks sounds cool. Over.