34 replies to this topic

[Triumph]

Have no fear about the NHL lockout - there's always Russian hockey! But seriously, it's hard to imagine that Ilya Kovalchuk and Anton Volchenkov don't end up playing over there, and we already know that former Devil and awesome post-game interview Vladimir Zharkov is playing there this year.

Another thing that's awesome about the KHL, besides the rampant corruption, is that the season starts super-early relative to North American hockey - the season begins today, September 4th, with a rematch of last year's Gargarin Cup - Lokomotiv Cup finalists - Dynamo Moscow hosts Avangard Omsk. Avangard has two ex-Devils - Martin Skoula and Anssi Salmela.

Anyway, I don't intend to keep up with the KHL all that much, but between that and the AHL it's going to be the only high-level hockey we have for 3+ months.

[Zubie#8]

Are they playing a few games in Brooklyn?? I would love to go see that even without a NHL lockout.

EDIT: Live stream

Edited by Zubie#8, 04 September 2012 - 11:29 AM.

[SMantzas]

Sign me up. Although, I wish Kovy would take more time to heal his back. Anyone get any updates recently?

[thefiestygoat]

I was actually trying to figure out what KHL team I should support. I decided to go with SKA Saint Petersburg as of right now for a few reasons. First, Kovalchuk is rumored to play there during the lockout. Second, they are supposed to play 2 games against Dynamo Moscow in Brooklyn so I would have a chance to actually see some live games. Third, almost a one time Devil, Fedor Fedorov and Norwegian, Patrick Thoresen play there! (I won't hold Petr Prucha against them) Lastly, according to wikipedia (so it could be wrong) they haven't won any huge title so it would be like cheering for an underdog in some ways. My fandom for them is all dependent on Kovalchuk playing there though.

I haven't tried this link yet, but apparently you can stream the games here.

[Devs3cups]

Who knows if Kovy is even going in the KHL, if he thinks that the lockout won't last the whole season, he probably won't go play in Russia, and get his back healthy. Also, I wouldn't be too stoked about playing in Russia after the Lokomotiv plane crash... If Kovy goes to the KHL for a year however, I will cheer for the team he plays for.

Edited by Devs3cups, 04 September 2012 - 09:25 PM.

[devilsfan26]

Also, I wouldn't be too stoked about playing in Russia after the Lokomotiv plane crash...

He grew up there and played pro hockey in Russia before coming here so I doubt that is much of a concern for him.

[Devilsfan118]

I'll probably root (and I use that word loosely; I'll look up highlights once in a while) whatever team Kovalchuk plays on, assuming he goes to the KHL

[Joonas #6]

KHL sucks.

[Devil Dan 56]

KHL sucks.

It's a lot more entertaining than the NHL at the moment.

[StormJosh]

I used to be a CSKA Moscow fan because of all the excellent NHLers they produced and how often they would go the Devils.

Notable Devils that played for CSKA include (and I must be missing some I can't remember them all):
Fetisov
Larionov
Mogilny
Brylin
Malakhov
Nemchinov
Zelupukin

But...after the unfortunate Lokomotiv accident I'm going to do my best and root for new-Loko.

Edited by StormJosh, 05 September 2012 - 11:23 AM.

[Scottie2Hottie]

I've been an Ak Bars fan for a while now. Khl hockey is actually really cool. Those guys play hard every game. Also, the larger ice surface allows for a bit of a different game. Its actually fun to watch. I love me some KHL.

[Devilsfan118]

How is the KHL handling the new Loko team? Expansion draft type thing?

[StormJosh]

How is the KHL handling the new Loko team? Expansion draft type thing?

That was considered as a possibility but Lokomotiv decided to go out and build a new team altogether with a mix of NHL/KHL veterans and its own youth team.

[sundstrom]

Who knows if Kovy is even going in the KHL, if he thinks that the lockout won't last the whole season, he probably won't go play in Russia, and get his back healthy. Also, I wouldn't be too stoked about playing in Russia after the Lokomotiv plane crash... If Kovy goes to the KHL for a year however, I will cheer for the team he plays for.

he will most certainly play in the KHL. this isn't at all in question. Volchenkov will play there too.

[Niaure]

KHL is not only "Russian" hockey. Most teams are from Russia, but you can also find teams from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Slovakia

[SMantzas]

KHL is not only "Russian" hockey. Most teams are from Russia, but you can also find teams from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Slovakia

They're also expanding to Croatia and Italy

[thefiestygoat]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=405125

KHL: Only 'Top-Level' NHLers Elgible to Sign if Locked Out

Each team would be allowed to sign three eligible National Hockey League players above the teams' established roster limit of 25, but of those three only one could be a player born outside Russia.

As for the foreign-born talent, a strict set of criteria were outlined as to which players would be eligible. Players wishing to sign in the KHL must fulfill one of the following four requirements, as outlined in a league statement:

- The player has played no fewer than 150 games in the NHL over the last three seasons.

- Has experience of playing in the KHL.

- Represented his country at one of the last two IIHF World Championships, World Junior Championships or the Olympics.

- Is a Stanley Cup winner, a Stanley Cup finalist, or a winner of one of the individual prizes awarded by the NHL at the close of their season.

[Zubie#8]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=405125

KHL: Only 'Top-Level' NHLers Elgible to Sign if Locked Out

Good to hear.

[Chimaira_Devil_#9]

I am going to get my hockey fix watching HV71.

If they are permitted i am sure some of the swedish guys will make their way back to their home teams.

[ghdi]

Didnt think this is worthy of its own post, but

@GenadiB #habs Andrei Kostitsyn signed one year agreement with #khl Traktor Chelyabinsk

Its not a NHL lockout protected contract, so he's there for good this season.