Best Russian Forward Ever?

[Captngeetch]

If Bure stayed healthy.................wow, the possibilities. I went with Fedorov since he did stay (relatively) healthy and is the total package, a true dominant two way player.

I am surprised that AO is getting that many votes.

I attribute that a lot to the younger crowd here who never got to really see the greatness of Bure, Mogilny, Fedorov and the like in their day. All they know is AO. And even some of the older folks get swayed in too easy by AO I think. Out of sight, out of mind I suppose................

Ovechkin still has way too much to prove to me other than he can score a lot of goals, take a lot of shots and do a lot of showboating............he needs a more complete game and a big slice of humble pie.

I'm old school and a blue collar guy. I like to see a guy score a goal, fist pump for a sec or raise his arms and then return to the bench with his head down and mouth shut.

I've got atleast 10 years on you..so call me pops..lol But Ovie is the real deal...the first game I saw was in the Montreal forum in 1972...I remember watching the Summit series and the CCCP vs The Broad Street Bullies games...Federov was and I stress was, a great player and he definitely deserves more votes then he has...but that toothless kid is for real...and time will prove it.

[kovyheater]

Other - Ilya Kovalchuk...but I'm biased.

He may not have won anything but a Rocket Trophy in 03-04, but he is playing on a terrible team.

He has overlooked superior passing skills, exceptional speed that would rival Bure, and a shot like no other....not even Ovechkin comes close in my mind.

Kovalchuk is terribly underrated on a poor team.

[michiganice91]

Other - Ilya Kovalchuk...but I'm biased.

He may not have won anything but a Rocket Trophy in 03-04, but he is playing on a terrible team.

He has overlooked superior passing skills, exceptional speed that would rival Bure, and a shot like no other....not even Ovechkin comes close in my mind.

Kovalchuk is terribly underrated on a poor team.

I'll agree he could perform way above his already great stats on even a half way decent team, but I wouldn't say that Ovy doesnt come close...because the caps without ovy would be about the same as the thrashers with Kovy.

[tboculosis]

The Russian National line of Mogilny-Fedorov-Bure was said to be the fastest to ever took to the ice. With that said, the best Russian forward to ever skated in the NHL has to be Sergei Federov. He was the total package combining speed, puck-handling skills, defense, and scoring as well. Unstoppable in his prime. Most definitely will be in the HOF in a few years.

[michiganice91]

id like to see bure, fedorov, and darren helm all in their prime on one line...the other team would be standing still

[SkyFire47]

bure has my vote. ovechkin, malkin, and datsyuk haven't played long enough to be considered in the "best ever" category.

[michiganice91]

bure has my vote. ovechkin, malkin, and datsyuk haven't played long enough to be considered in the "best ever" category.

I agree..I just thought I'd throw em in there...didn't think they'd get soooo many votes.

[Captngeetch]

I will say...Federov's path to the NHL is a great story in itself...look it up those that don't know it

[Prime B]

I will say...Federov's path to the NHL is a great story in itself...look it up those that don't know it

Quite the escape from Russia huh? It's a regular James Bond type story and a great one at that.

I still say Feds is the best not only for his all around game, but longevity and the fact he has 3 Cups makes him a winner.

IF or when Ovechkin passes Fedorov's totals in stats and Cups, we'll talk about the silly number of votes he has already to be considered the "best" Russian all time............until then, let's shut this thread before anyone 20 or under gives AO more votes.

[Prime B]

I've got atleast 10 years on you..so call me pops..lol But Ovie is the real deal...the first game I saw was in the Montreal forum in 1972...I remember watching the Summit series and the CCCP vs The Broad Street Bullies games...Federov was and I stress was, a great player and he definitely deserves more votes then he has...but that toothless kid is for real...and time will prove it.

No doubt AO is an amazing talent, I don't even question that nor do I doubt the fact he will put up some amazing numbers.

But to say he is the greatest Russian of all time? Not even close.......