The dynamic Ilya Kovalchuk lambasted the Latvians with four goals in Russia's 9-2 romp.

Kovalchuk, Russians
dismantle Latvia
By Rich Libero | NHL.com
Feb. 19, 2006

TORINO, Italy - It seems like a long time ago and in a hockey universe far, far away, but before Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Marek Svatos and Dion Phaneuf, there was Ilya Kovalchuk.

Despite scoring 37 goals and 72 points for the Atlanta Thrashers this season, Kovalchuk has operated largely off the media's radar screen. Sunday, at the Torino Esposizioni, he, along with his Russian teammates, made reintroductions to the world audience with four goals in a 9-2 pasting of Latvia.

Kovalchuk's linemates Pavel Datsyuk and Alexei Kovalev also benefitted from the partnership. Datsyuk dished out three assists, while Kovalev added a pair. All told, the trio combined for nine points, overshadowing the efforts of New Jersey's Viktor Kozlov and the Islanders' Alexei Yashin, who finished with a goal and two assists apiece.

Related Links Russia 9, Latvia 2 NHL.com's Olympics section 2006 Team Russia roster 2006 Olympics Archive

The lopsided tilt dimmed Latvia's hopes of making the quarterfinals. Latvia needed to win or at least keep the goal differential down in case they and the United States end up tied for fourth place in Group B. Since the U.S. and Latvia tied in their opening match, the next tiebreaker is goal differential and Latvia surrendered 15 goals this weekend in one-sided losses to Sweden and Russia.

"We are happy to be here," Latvian defenseman Karlis Skrastins said. "We had a tough qualification to get here. For us, every game is important. We played good against the U.S. and a couple good periods against Slovakia, but teams like Russia and Sweden are very difficult."

If Latvia considered the Russians difficult, then perhaps other teams should heed the words of the Kovalchuk: "I don't think we've played our best game yet."

After a shocking loss to Slovakia in their opening game, the Russians have been working to better themselves. They have played well, if not inconsistently.

Consider that Russia followed up the loss to Slovakia with an authoritative lashing of Sweden, 5-0. In that game, they combined solid defense with spectacular playmaking skills. However, they followed that victory with a lackluster 1-0 win over Kazakhstan on Saturday.

"We focused our game a little more now," Kovalev said. "We moved the puck a little bit better. Skating-wise we look a bit better. (Saturday) was a tough day. Today it looks like we were a little bit recovered."

Kovalev, Russia's captain, is also part of their biggest line. The trio of Datsyuk at center, Kovalchuk on the left and Kovalev on the right, should strike fear into opposing defenses. The unit boasts a combination of skill, size, selflessness and finishing power.

The three compliment each other with a variety of attributes. Datsyuk is the gifted playmaker. The best evidence was displayed on Kovalchuk's second goal where Datsyuk pranced up the middle of slot and stickhandled around three Latvian players. Just when he drew clear for a shot, he dished to his right where Kovalchuk slammed the puck into the empty side of the net.

With the likes of Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin and other youngsters, the Russians boast a lot of firepower.

In the Sweden game, Datsyuk helped Kovalev score a power play goal by camping out in the slot and setting a screen.

Kovalev is among the best puckhandlers and one-on-one players in the game, while Kovalchuk has size, speed, explosiveness, a heavy shot and a nose for the net. He is part of a young core of Russian players that are helping the national team transition from the old guard.

When you consider that the Russians are also blessed with Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Fedor Tyutin, they're future is incredibly bright.

"We've got a lot of really young players like Fedor Tyutin," Kovalchuk said. "They're not No. 1 players, but they are good."

Kovalchuk was once in that category. At the tender age of 22, he's in his fourth NHL season after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2001 Entry Draft. He joined Atlanta as a teenager and notched 51 points in 65 games on an under-talented team. He's added to his point total each year since notching 67 and 87 points, respectively.

With a little luck, Kovalchuk has a shot to crack the 100-point barrier this season. After the Olympics, he'll return to an Atlanta team that's keen on making its first-ever playoff run. With Slovakia's Marian Hossa and Peter Bondra, the Thrashers have the firepower to make some noise in the East.

But right now the Russians are looking forward to their Tuesday night meeting with Team USA (2:30 p.m. ET, USA, CBC).

"The U.S. team beat us in the semifinals at the last Olympics," Kovalchuk said. "It's going to be a tough game. I don't think we played our best yet. We're going to play better against them."