Semyon Varlamov:"When You See a Raging Sea of Red, Your Adrenaline Goes Off the Charts"

by tuvanhillbilly on May 10, 2010 10:45 PM EDT in Translations

While most of the team is resting and recuperating, Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Semyon Varlamov have all flown to Cologne, Germany to play for the Glory of the Motherland (aka Team Russia) in the 2010 IIHF World Championship. Semyon Varlamov's participation got off to an inauspicious start when his gear bag with all of his equipment was lost by the airline and he wasn't able to start training immediately. He was soon kitted out in some new gear, however, and Sovetsky Sport's Pavel Lysenkov was able to talk with him yesterday following a morning practice. At the beginning of the article, Pavel noted that head coach Vyacheslav Bykov had told him that Varly would be starting in the Russia-Belarus game.

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...Semyon was the last to come in from practice. Team Russia trainer Andrei Nazarov zealously shot at his net and Varlamov worked on his technique.

Were you surprised when you weren't even included in the lineup in the game against Slovakia? After all you came here nominally as the number one goaltender.

"I'm cool with this" said Varlamov. "The coach put in Koshechkin and he won. That means it was the right decision."

"I wouldn't say that the start of the tournament went awry for me because of the loss of my gear bag and my equipment. I just needed more time to prepare. When you suddenly end your season and you don't practice for a week it's hard to get back in your groove. But now I feel fantastic."

Lanxess Arena is just about the largest in Europe. At the Russia- Slovakia game there were almost 18,000 spectators. Do you have the same type of attendance at your home games in Washington? Does this stadium compare to NHL ones?

"There is a difference. I don't see the same type of fanfare which they have around hockey in America. The players can't help but notice when the arena is filled with a huge crowd and every fan is in a red shirt, yelling "Let's Go Caps!" When you see this raging sea of red, your adrenaline goes off the charts."

"In Germany they yell "Rossiya, Rossiya". It's neat when go abroad and see the stands full of fans from your own country. Tell them thanks for their support!"

Washington General Manager George McPhee said that he doesn't understand why Ovechkin and Semin went to the World Championships after such a difficult season.

"And what did he say about me?"

That for you, on the other hand, it wouldn't interfere with your practice, and you might gain valuable experience.

"I agree that Ovechkin and Semin are tired. They played a lot of games this season. But it is their decision to go to Germany and play for their country. You have to respect that. It's great that two stars like that fly off to join the team at the first phone call, despite the obvious overload."

But in Washington the World Championship is treated with disdain. If you come back to the team with a medal, nobody will have any reaction to it.

"Well, yeah, they don't really get excited about it in America. But the Canadians have a lot of hype around the World Championship. Their national team is playing there, so therefore the tournament is worthy of their respect. That's the correct attitude towards it."

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Comments

Thank you Tuvan! Love always for the Russian interviews.

And I hope Varly’s regular gear isn’t gone forever.

by EmilyB on May 10, 2010 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

New helmet design coming, or already displayed, due to the loss?

by vzotsky on May 11, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually, if that’s a pic from a practice in Germany, I think that is his regular caps mask. The one with Mt. Rushmore on the right side. With America’s greatest presidents in goal for the Russian Federation.

by EmilyB on May 11, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep, that’s a pic from Germany. Looks like he hasn’t taped over anything either. The Stars and Stripes will be on the head of the guy trying to bring victory to glorious mother Russia.

Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography

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by cobracg on May 11, 2010 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions

The pads look used too, so maybe not everything was lost.

(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)

by oldemystix on May 11, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

His gear probably arrived on the next plane.

by EmilyB on May 11, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I am continually pleasantly surprised how well spoken, courteous, and humble Varlamov is.
I guess these interviews are the only thing that paint a picture of a personality in my mind.

proud 4th line advocate

by iced on May 10, 2010 11:28 PM EDT reply actions

Varly’s interviews with the Russian press alway make for an interesting read. Thanks for the translation!

Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography

Founder of the Eric Fehr Fan Club.

by cobracg on May 10, 2010 11:56 PM EDT reply actions

In Washington the World Championship is treated with disdain.
“Well, yeah, they don’t really get excited about it in America.”

We all recognize that it is an honor to play for your national team. Any lack of enthusiasm for the WC is only because it is the post-season consolation prize. Playing in the WC means you are out of the playoffs and no longer have a chance for the Stanley Cup.

by Gin and Tonic on May 10, 2010 11:59 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah but it’s true that America as a whole doesn’t care at all about it, while in other countries it’s a pretty big deal.

Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography

Founder of the Eric Fehr Fan Club.

by cobracg on May 11, 2010 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I care, but I just love competitive hockey, period. Of course, GB is never competitive. =(

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by winterion on May 11, 2010 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Average Americans don’t care about international competition unless it’s the Olympics. Maybe the World Cup in soccer, but only because the rest of the world says so.

"Yes, but Rimmer Directive 271 states just as clearly, 'No chance you metal ba****d.'"

by apk3000 on May 11, 2010 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions

How the hell did Andrei Nazarov become a trainer of ANYTHING? Is he that good a coach at Chelyabinsk?

They're coming.

by Bald Pollack on May 11, 2010 7:43 AM EDT reply actions

His question about Mcphee is misleading

Mcphee said he wasnt happy about the Alex’s playing, but that he DOES understand, here is his quote:

“I’m not sure it makes Semin or Ovie better players,” McPhee said. “They probably could have used the rest. But there’s also pressure from their country and federation to play, and we understand that.”

That being said, Varlamov definitely has his head in the right place, his interviews are always first class.

by hatrik22 on May 11, 2010 9:49 AM EDT reply actions

I like being part of a “raging sea of red.” giggle

(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)

by oldemystix on May 11, 2010 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

Me too. :)

Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy

by MikeL-Pivonka on May 11, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

it’s those nice little acknowledgments of the fans (as crazy as we are) that make me love this guy. In a way, he’s very lucky not to have know the “bad old days” right after the lockout. That he doesn’t know them and still appreciates the rabid fan support is really really nice.

Kung-fu Rink Rabbit in a tin-foil hat
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.

by RedBirdie on May 11, 2010 1:38 PM EDT reply actions

who on the team does remember those days? I think, offhand, Laich has been with the team longest currently followed by Ovi. Yeah, those weren’t great days.

On a side note, next few years will be interesting to see if a) the team can continue to be awesome and b) win Stanley, and if neither a nor b happen will fans stick around.

Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."

by breaklance on May 11, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Ovie, Brooks, Boyd Gordon, Sha.Mo are a few off the top of my head. Some of the older guys like Knuble and Theo probably remember coming as a visiting player and seeing the place half empty.

Kung-fu Rink Rabbit in a tin-foil hat
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.

by RedBirdie on May 11, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Semin was here in 2003-04 before the lockout and played 52 games. Gordo played 41 games that season, while Laich and ShaMo played only a handful (call-ups). Since Semin spent the lockout year and the following year in Russia, Gordo has played the most seasons (6). The others mentioned have played 5, but Semin spent the most time with the Caps in 2003-04.

by Seminrocks on May 11, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Anyone that played for Hanlon remembers those days.

I waited all year for this?

by Rob Parker on May 11, 2010 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I would only disdain a world championship medal because we aren’t still playing here while it goes on. . .

But otherwise IIHF hockey is always fun. America isn’t to the point of hockey being mainstream so anything other than NHL and Olympics doesn’t register in America.

Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."

by breaklance on May 11, 2010 3:03 PM EDT reply actions

There are several things going on. If it was easier to find on TV I’m sure more people would watch. You also have a lot of fans still invested in the NHL playoffs, which are more skilled, more competitive, and more entertaining. You’re coming off the Olympics, which was one of the best international tournaments in a long time, and every team is missing some very important players. That basically means it’s a JV tournament and I don’t see how people are going to get that worked up for it with all the other hockey still going on.

I waited all year for this?

by Rob Parker on May 11, 2010 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

IIHF World Champs

The IIHF World Championships are not “popular” in the US. But why are the online videos geoblocked from being watched in the US. I tried asking on their site, but got a repetition of what is posted in the help section, which didn’t answer my question. I wouldn’t normally care that much, but with the Caps being bumped out of the playoffs early and Varly, Ovie, and Semin playing for Russia, I’d like to watch a couple of games. Any suggestions anyone?
On another note, I understand GM’s position on Ovie and Semin needing rest, but I think they need to do this for psychological reasons – 2 major defeats this year – the Olympics and Stanley Cup playoffs.The playoff defeat was heartwrenching for them as well as the fans. I’m American, but I have to root for my guys. I just do.

by imahockeyholic on May 13, 2010 12:40 PM EDT reply actions