Varly's interview to Sport-Express after game 5.

By Slava Malamud, Sport-Express, Apr. 27, 2008: 

How were you preparing for this game?
As usual, tried to calm myself and not to think that this could be the last game. Tried not to think about the goal that I let in in New York, of course. This is hockey and I am a goalie, if I made a mistake I must quickly forget about it. What else to say? Today we started well, scored two quick goals. In such games it is much easier when you score first.

You always say that you are nervous before the game, but when you are on the ice it is unnoticable. You have cadaverous calmness.
I wouldn't say so. Perhaps from the outside one can think that I am as calm as a corpse. But the nervousness is there, and it is there through the whole game.

The Americans eventually learned how to correctly pronounce your name.
Yes, we made the adjustments before the fourth game, and now everything is in order. I watched the recording of the game, they were pronouncing my name right (before they were putting the stress on the first syllable. ~SM Note.), and it pleases me.

Was it easier without Avery today?
No, it's the same. When Avery is in, he always tries to stand in front of the net. For a goalie it is, of course, unpleasant, but I did not notice his absence.

You have recorded the second shutout in the last three games. How much is the pressure to continue to do that?
No pressure because you think about the result first and foremost. After all, we can't lose. I just think about winning, not about my stats.

Who did you throw a puck after the game?
To my girlfriend.

Did you hear the stadium was chanting "Varly"?
Yes, even saw it was displayed on the scoreboard, my name... nickname, more precisely.

Which you have written on your mask.
Yes, indeed! How did you notice it!

What are you and your partners doing the best so far?
First of all, they respond quickly to my rebounds and don't allow to use them. Because if you take the first shot, it is very hard to react to the second.

Is there anything that can rattle you?
I think any person has something he can be rattled for. But even if there's something, I can't tell you.

Happy Birthday to Varly! He is 21 today. A legal age in US for going to a brewery. In Russia you can do it at the age of 16. And you can get married at 16 there too.

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