Varlamov talks to SE reporter after a game in Montreal
On request of our reader AB, here's another translation of Varlamov's interview given in Montreal to SE reporter Damir Khayretdinov:
How do you feel in the new role of unconditional number one goalkeeper, the role that you were not able to get in Washington? And how's your new team?
I feel great with Avalanche! I have perfectly adjusted to mountain climate, had time to settle. Plus, I was greatly welcomed by the team.
After a devastating defeat from Los Angeles the head coach Joe Sacco said that he didn't have any problems with your play, but blamed defensemen. In today's game Colorado's defense was not playing well too. Can we say that Washington's defense was more reliable?
I wouldn't compare Caps and Avs, both teams have different systems. Each coach professes their game concept. I can't blame our defensemen. They help me, and a successful start of Colorado is the merit of the whole team, including defense.
Okay, but which of the two teams is playing more defensive hockey?
Colorado. We play "defense first" approach, follow Coaches' plan. Washington plays more open hockey.
After a series of exhibition games and games in the regular season, can you tell the difference between Eastern and Western Conferences?
I believe that we haven't play enough games to draw any conclusions. I would note Los Angeles of the Western Conference teams. LA Kings impressed me! This is one of the strongest teams in the league this season.
After you were traded to Colorado your idol Roy called you. Did he contribute to your trade, because Washington did not want to let you go?
No, it's all rumors. Patrick called me two weeks after I was traded. I did not expect it, was amazed! He congratulated me and wished me luck.
By the way, who is on your goalie mask? As before, George Washington, or you already have your childhood's idol?
Actually I think about it, to put Roy on my mask. Now, on the advice of a Swedish consultant, I have little monsters as talismans.
Judging by your interviews, you were enthusiastic about new Russian team's Coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov, stressing that a coach like him is needed to the national team.
Yes, I believe that he is a great specialist with great experience. But I didn't have a chance to meet him.
Recently the former Ak Bars defenseman, your team Russia teammate Alexei Emelin, who is now in Montreal, told me that Zinetula Khaidarovich would bring to the team a very strict game plan and discipline. And what style will he bring? The same strict style as in Denver?
I think everybody knows Ak Bars and their style of play. First of all it is a focus on the game in defense. The national team will play more strictly in defense, and make no mistake, we have good defensemen who can do it.
Do you hope that you will become the number one goalkeeper of team Russia?
Of course. But this requires a lot of work, like playing consistently on the high level and constantly progressing in your game.
Two leaders of your former club played important role in your adaptation to the NHL, Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin. Do you stay in touch with them?
Of course. I am really very grateful to them. When I just arrived and had hard time to adjust, they were very helpful to me.
Why Ovechkin had a not very successful last season, and even in this season he still has trouble to play at his best?
There are different reasons. You see, it is very difficult to play on the same high level. Any great player had to deal with slumps. But he will overcome it. I'm sure it all will work out.
One of the causes of instability is the injuries. And you had them in Washington in recent years, especially the groin injuries. And how do you feel now?
I'm all right, all the injuries were healed. I have absolutely nothing to worry about in terms of health, I'm in great shape.
During our conversation almost three years ago, when you had a brilliant debut here in Montreal, you said that you had fulfilled two dreams, you're in the NHL and played your first game in this league. Then later you promised specifically for readers of "SE" to name your third dream. Maybe it's time to reveal the secret?
No special secret here. I would like to play as many games as possible in the NHL, and to play successfully for my team. That is, perhaps, my main goal.
When our interview was over, Semyon had a special request:
Please allow me via "Sport-Express" to pass a few words to relatives and friends of hockey players who died in a plane crash near Yaroslavl. Sunday marks 40 days after the disaster (after saying this, Semyon got very emotional and had trouble to choose the words). I would like to again express my condolences... This is not enough. I want to say that I am with you, I share your grief and sorrow. I always find myself mentally with the guys who perished. Yaroslavl, I repeat, despite the distance, in these sad days, I am close with all of you...
Source: http://hockey.sport-express.ru/reviews/17140/
40 days is a date that has a significance in Russia, here's why:
Wikipedia (Russian):
According to Orthodox patristic tradition, the 40th day after the death of newly-soul (ie, the recently deceased) for the third time is available before the angels of God, who gives it the place of Judgement and the eternal life after the final determination of fate. One of the 3 dates in the Orthodox tradition, marked for a special commemoration of the newly-reposed: the third day, ninth day, fortieth day. Two dates - the third day and the fortieth day - coincide with milestones in the earthly life of Jesus Christ: on the third day of his physical death, He rose again, on the fortieth day after his resurrection he ascended to God.
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1 comments:
TJ, thanks so much for doing the translation. Varly always has interesting things to say.
Thanks also for including the explanation of why 40 days after a death matters to Russians. I looked at the photos linked by Lyesnkov last night and they are sad:(
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