December 17th for Semyon Varlamov

On our reader AB request here's the translation of Semyon Varlamov's interview...

Sovetsky Sport reporter Tsizis M. met with Varlamov after the morning skate in Ottawa.

You've got a very good start! Congratulations, Semyon!
It's not bad for the whole team. Three games, two wins, and on the road; against Boston, Columbus, not so easy. I'm happy, but there are 79 more games ahead. I don't want to say anything about my game. I just catch the puck. I'll let others evaluate me. For example, the goalkeeping coach.

Can you say that you're playing better because you have less pressure in Colorado than in Washington?
I don't think so... I felt no pressure in Washington. And in Colorado I stay relaxed, no unnecessary thoughts.

Did someone congratulate you after the shutout in Boston? Maybe Patrick Roy?
Roy is too busy, he takes care of his junior team. But Peter Forsberg shook my hand. The banner with his number was raised before the game in Denver. But it was before Boston.

Why Colorado doesn't score much?
I am very surprised myself. In training our forwards just tear me up (Varlamov smiles). Who is the most dangerous? Enough guys with a strong shot that gives me a lot of grief. Well, good thing they play for Colorado.

Do you monitor your national team's colleague Ilya Bryzgalov?
I have very little time now to watch other goalies. Only look at the statistics, how Ilya is playing in Philadelphia.

Does it bother you that there are no Russians in Colorado?
Absolutely not. On the contrary, now I am better with English. I started to think in English, learn new words.

Where did you settle?
In the city center. Denver is very beautiful, surrounded by mountains. The weather is wonderful.

Have you bought skies?
Oh no, I don't think about it. We are not allowed under contract to ski. I don't even look at skiing or snowboarding.

Did you circle December 17 in red in your calendar?
No. And what will happen?

Washington Capitals will be playing in Denver.
For me it is a regular game. Nothing special.

Where will you take your friends Alexes, Ovechkin and Semin?
Maybe we'll go to Aspen. I was at this ski resort in August. A great place! It is prohibited for us to ski. But we can just take a walk, go to the restaurant.

On Sunday it will be 40 days after Locomotive crash. You flew to Yaroslavl for the funeral ...
Terrible tragedy... I played in Yaroslavl 8 years, an alumni of this club. Knew many guys, grew up with them since childhood. I knew virtually the entire team. All the staff, masseurs and doctors. Yes, I flew to Yaroslavl, said good-bye to the boys. I still don't believe that all this happened. Sorry, I can't talk about it more...

Source: http://www.sovsport.ru/gazeta/article-item/486635

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