from Ilya Zubko at Russia Beyond The Headlines,

Forty-nine percent of Russia’s population will tune into the hockey during the Olympic Games in Sochi. In terms of popularity, the only other winter sport to come anywhere close is the biathlon (43 percent). A medal in the hockey will certainly outweigh any other for Russia....

There is also a distinct lack of histrionics in the statements made by the players: “Let people think we’re the fourth-best team — that takes the pressure off. We’re quietly concentrating on our own game... Yes, on paper the U.S. looks stronger than Russia, but paper can be torn up. I believe that we will stand our ground against the Americans and Canadians. We have a strong team, the guys are more experienced now,” reasoned Yevgeny Malkin in an interview with RIA Novosti.

His colleague Alexander Ovechkin agrees that there is no need to feel daunted by the names on the Canadian, U.S., and Swedish team sheets.

“What’s to be afraid of? Names? On the ice is where it matters. I think everything will be just fine,” Ovechkin told Rossiyskaya Gazeta. “We have a combat-ready outfit. The most important thing is to play as a team. The goal is first place. We will aim for that. It will be hard, but we’ll keep moving towards the target.”

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