Everyone wanted to talk about Nail Yakupov. And don’t get me wrong, the #1 overall pick in the 2012 draft was every bit as dangerous as his billing. He’s explosive with the puck, and hungry for it, each and every single time he steps on the ice. There’s little doubt that if the NHL ever decides to play again, the Edmonton Oilers will cash in on this fellow, yet another young gun to add to their Halls and Eberles and Nugent-Hopkinseseses. Eses.
But the show on Wednesday didn’t belong to this superstar in waiting. It belonged to the goaltenders, who backstopped their teams to a scoreless draw after 60 minutes of fast, tough, hard-fought hockey in Vancouver.
So here’s to you, Laurent Brossoit and Andrei Makarov. You made great saves when you had to — Brossoit in the first 35 minutes, and Makarov in the final 25 — and you completely deserved the Player of the Game honours.
All photos are by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head. All rights reserved.
Laurent Brossoit makes a pad save on Mozer in the second period of Game 5 of the Russia-CHL Super Series in Vancouver. The goaltenders were perfect through 60 minutes, with the WHL stars winning in a shootout. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
More pictures after the bump.
Laurent Brossoit with his mask from his stint with the Edmonton Oil Kings. Brossoit was perfect in Game 5 of the Russia-CHL Super Series, taking a 1-0 shootout win over the Russian Stars. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.Russian goaltender Andrei Makarov — you might remember him from a little tournament called the World Juniors? Well, he didn’t have a lot of work in the first 30 mintues, but put on a show in the 2nd half to march his team to a scoreless draw after 60 minutes. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.The WHL stars kept Edmonton Oilers prospect Nail Yakupov under close surveillance Wednesday. He was dangerous, but he had to deal with close, hard marks from guys like Colton Sissons. All. Night. Long. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.WHL defenseman Ryan Pulock chases a puck during second period action at the Pacific Coliseum. This game was fast, and relentless. Pulock was a rock. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.Perhaps the best for last. Nail Yakupov isn’t some fragile flower waiting in the high slot for his linemates to get him the puck. Here he’s about to deliver a shoulder to the torso of a Canadian defenseman. I was thrilled to rattle off this shot before backing off the glass for the hit. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
