[Caged Great]

With Zubov retiring, the last of the exceptional Russian defenseman are gone. The likes of Volchenkov are not going to win you medals, let alone the ones of the Gold variety.

Until Russia gets some D-men, and perhaps a new great goalie, they are not going to be much more of a threat than the 2nd tier teams like Slovakia, Czechs, Finland are. It is unfortunate because you like to see your rivals not suck (Edmonton) because the games aren't as intense as they normally would be.