Alexei Zhamnov: "We are preparing for a serious tournament"

After today's training, Russian national team senior coach Alexei Zhamnov shared his expectations from the opening 2018 World Championship match against Denmark.

Russian national team senior coach Alexei Zhamnov:

- We feel good before the tournament, we have tried the ice and checked out the stadium. Today, the ice is a lot better, although it's still quite warm. Everyone is in the same boat.

- The first line had the same player which won Olympic gold, albeit without Nikita Gusev. Have you kept them in one line because they've already played together?

- We think it's a good option for the first line. Pavel Datsyuk is a good centre forward, we think his line will perform well. During the tournament, we will see how they are playing. Overall, we haven't had many opportunities at training to see how the lines would work, because some have been absent with different reasons. However, we won't name the full roster until two hours before the match starts.

- When will Nikita Gusev arrive?

- He plans to travel here on either the 4th or 5th of May. When he starts training with the team, we'll see how he feels. I can't say anything more than that.

- Are you planning to strengthen with players from the NHL?

- The NHL's playoff second round is happening at the moment, we don't know what the results will be. Now, the main thing is to focus on the guys which are in the squad. We need to have a good, balanced team.

- How many players will be in the roster for the competition's opening three matches?

- We are still pondering. Probably, we will start with four lines and seven defensemen.

- Is it comfortable to begin the tournament against France, not the strongest opponent?

- I wouldn't say that they're weak. Any team can spring a surprise, it depends on the mindset. Our goal is to have a mentality for a tough match. There are always nerves for the first game.

- They say that in comparison to the Olympic Games, the World Championship isn't such an important tournament.

- I would not agree with that. When you look at other rosters, you see that teams have brought strong players. We are preparing for a serious tournament.

- Do you know what to expect from France?

- We have looked at the available videos, including their games against the Olympic team and Slovenia.

- What can you say about the French?

- They don't allow you to relax.

- Can you say that France play a North American style?

- Yes, they play hard, especially in defence.

- On the powerplay, you only have three forwards. Why?

- We have two different powerplay units. Hopefully, in the future, we will know which direction we are moving in. The players should have discipline - they have a limited amount of time on the ice to create goalscoring chances and threaten the opponents.

- Who will be the starting goaltender?

- The goalkeeping coach will reveal that information tomorrow.

- Are all of the players healthy?

- At the moment - yes.

- Who has the least chances to participate at this World Championship?

- Me.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation