The Russian men’s hockey team will debut with Semyon Varlamov in net over 2013 Vezina Trophy-winner Sergei Bobrovsky.
Varlamov has had a strong regular season with the Colorado Avalanche while Bobrovsky’s has been up-and-down for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but Bobrovsky won that Vezina for best goalie of the 2012-13 season.
Russia faces Slovenia on Thursday. It actually might be more telling to see who Russia goes with on Feb. 15, however, as that will be a greater test against the United States.
Here’s more from PHT’s Joe Yerdon:
Varlamov enters the Olympics with a bit more experience than Bobrovsky in international competition. The Avs starter has played in three out of four of the past World Championships and was a member of the 2010 Russian Olympic team.
