Khudobin and Radulov have known each other since they were 15 and playing together for Russia's Under-16 National Team. It was Radulov who gave Kudobin the nickname "Dobby," which is now displayed on the goalie's mask alongside the character from the "Harry Potter" movies.
In true Khudobin form, he said he has never seen the movies or read the books, but likes the character anyway. That's the kind of easy dialogue the 32-year-old brings to the rink each day.
"I try to have fun," Khudobin said. "If you enjoy it, then you will enjoy everything, all of the processes and steps, and then it is fun for everybody."
Even though it's just preseason, that philosophy is working for Khudobin. He, Radulov, Nichushkin and Gurianov have been on several adventures and documented them on social media. Nichushkin is returning from the KHL, where he played the past two seasons, and Gurianov is trying to make the jump to the NHL from the AHL, and both seem to be helped by the support of their fellow countrymen.
"And it's not just the Russians," Khudobin said. "It's everybody working together."
Comeau is having a similar impact. The 32-year-old winger is setting a great example with his play on the ice and his work ethic off. Montgomery was coaching at the University of Denver while Comeau was playing with the Colorado Avalanche, so he watched a lot of Comeau on television.