After years of sharing of Washington 23-year-old goalkeeper made ​​his debut in Russia very well, Colorado, along with Jean-Sebastien Giguere ensuring his new club the best start for a quarter century – four wins in five matches

by Damir Khairetdinov
of Montreal

What was the goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov novice and Co., at the time could not get even Colorado, led by Patrick Roy, Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic.

Its high-class footballer our demonstrated on Saturday in a match with the Canadiens. Already in the first period on Varlamov showered throws, but the last line of Colorado was reliable. None of the five goals conceded can not blame Samaran. Its a shot at close range, or were killed after one on one, or when playing in a minority of the “3 by 5”.

It is noteworthy that teammates do not tire of praising his goalkeeper directly on the site. During breaks, each trying to drive up to Varlamov and how to give something back to him, tapped his stick on one panel, while others exchanged with him a couple of friendly phrases.

“It was Semyon gave us a chance to win. He made some incredible rescues. In the first period we looked sluggish since suffered from a busy schedule – 4 games in 6 days”, – said the head coach of Avalanche by Joe Sacco in an interview with Denver Post.

After the game, which ended with a series of shootouts and the fourth win of the season, Avalanche (6:5), Varlamov answered the questions of “SE”.

Washington – A more open

How do you feel in the new role of unconditional first number of commands that you have not managed to become the Washington? And as you a new team?

I’m assuming perfectly in Avalanche feel! Perfectly adapted to mountain climate, the time to settle. Plus, I met a great team.

After a devastating defeat in the control of the match, Los Angeles head coach Joe Sacco said that to you, and that the claims are not to blame for the defenders, which is bad for recruiting. In defense of today’s match, Colorado and did not act in the best way. We can say that the defense of your old club – Washington – was more reliable?

I would not compare both clubs. They have different model of the game. Each of the coaches profess their game concept. However, I do what I can not blame our defenders. They help me, and a successful start, Colorado – merit of the whole team, including defense.

Okay, but which of the two clubs playing in the indoor hockey more?

Colorado. We develop our attacks on defense, follow the installation trainer. In the Washington acted more openly.

After a series of test matches and games of the regular season, managed to tell the difference between Eastern and Western Conferences?

I believe that we have played enough meetings to draw any conclusions. Of the Western Conference teams I would note, Los Angeles. Kings remember! This season, this is one of the strongest teams in the league.

After switching to the Colorado you call your idol Roy. Did he contribute to your exchange, because Washington did not want you to let go?

No, it’s all rumors. Patrick called me two weeks after my transition. I did not expect to hear it, was amazed! He congratulated me and wished me luck.

By the way, and who you are now depicted on the goalie mask? As before, George Washington, or are already the idol of your childhood?

Actually, I think hard to put on a mask image Rua. Now, on the advice of a Swedish consultant on my mask, as a kind of mascot shows little monsters.

TEAM WILL PLAY DEFENSE stricter

Judging by your interview, you were enthusiastic about the arrival of the Russian team Zinetula Bilyaletdinov, stressing that such a coach needs the national team.

Yes, I believe that this is a great professional who has great experience. Although I have not had time to meet him.

Recently, the former defender of Ak Bars, your partner for the national team of Russia, Alexei Emelin, he is now in Montreal, told me that Zinetula Khaidarovich bring to the team a very tough game discipline. And what play style when it will adhere to team? It is not a strict Denver?

I think everybody knows it Ak Bars and the style of play this team. First of all, I mean the focus on the game on defense. Team will act more strictly on the defensive, and the corresponding class defenders in our country, make no mistake, there is.

Do you expect to be the main goalkeeper of Russia?

Of course. But this requires a lot of work to demonstrate a high level and is constantly progressing.

Ovechkin MUST overcome RECESSION

Important role in your adaptation to the NHL played two leaders of your former club – Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin. You maintain a relationship with them?

Of course. I am really very grateful to them. At first, when I had trouble, they told me to Washington very helpful.

Why does Ovechkin did not set himself last season, and this season he still could not get on his level?

There are different reasons. You see, it is very difficult to stay on the same high level. Any great player, a period of recession. But he is sure to overcome. I’m sure it all will work out.

One of the causes of instability – the injury. That’s you in the Washington, they pursued in recent years – especially the groin injury. And how do you feel now?

I’m all right, all the injuries 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’re a brilliant debut here in Montreal, you said that you have fulfilled two dreams – you’re in the NHL and played the first match in this league. Then later you promised specifically for readers of “SE” called third dream. Maybe it’s time to reveal the secret?

A special secret here. I would like to spend as much as possible matches in the NHL, successfully advocating for their team. That is, perhaps, my main goal.

When our interview was over, Seymon addressed a special request.

Allow a 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 (saying this, Semyon is very excited, it was hard to pick a word):

I would like to again express my condolences to not only … This is not enough. I want to say that I agree with you, I share your grief and sorrow. I always find myself mentally with dead guys. Yaroslavl, I repeat: despite the distance, in these sad days, I close with all of you …

Varlamov – the busiest GOALKEEPER SEASON

Busiest goalie start of the regular season NHL Semyon Varlamov (144 shot, each held a match – no less than 30) after the transition from Washington in the Colorado is not lost stability. His third victory he has won already in the 4th game of the season. In this case the current schedule is more reminiscent of Russians debut overseas. However, then became the main goalie Varlamov only in the playoffs.

If you people ask me nicely.

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…