Bronze or bust

Goaltending is key as Russia, Belarus try to salvage a medal

Russia opened the championship round with a 6-4 victory in which Nikolai Khabibulin was awful in goal -- the main reason that margin of victory was only two goals. Since then, the Russian attack has gone dormant and Khabibulin has been the only reason to watch Team Russia.

Belarus is likewise playing for a medal because of the stellar play of goaltender Andrei Mezin in their quarterfinal stunner over Sweden. In other words, since they first met, these games have been a positive experience for Belarus, while Russia has labored.

Offense

Why did Russia lose to the U.S. in the semifinals? Because Team USA understood that to win the day, you must carry the play. The Russians failed to grasp this concept until the third period. Click here for more from Eliot.

Russia’s attack has looked disjointed, with the forwards and defensemen operating as separate units. The have only managed six goals in the last four games -- with two of those coming in a furious third period in the semifinals against the U.S. Those came in a 3 1/2-minute spurt after managing only 11 shots through the first two periods. Their outside speed is their strength, if they decide to use it. Teams have too easily checked the Russians to a standstill in these games -- the main reason they are playing for bronze rather than gold. If they skate with purpose today, the Bronze should be theirs.

Belarus relies on a few players on the attack, mainly waiting to capitalize on turnovers. They are passive on defense, but go on the attack aggressively when they gain a turnover. The Belarussians have had success on their power play, scoring three times against Russia in their previous meeting. They need production today as well, if they are to score a bronze medal upset.

Defense

Team Russia continues to yield the blue line far too easily. At times, their zone coverage has looked nothing short of chaotic. They won’t face much forechecking pressure against Belarus, but their transition to defense -- namely the backchecking effort of the forwards -- needs to be stronger than it has been throughout these games.

Why did Belarus lose in the semifinals? Because unlike Sweden, whom Belarus unceremoniously upended in the quarterfinals, Canada’s game never took on an air of anxiety. Instead, it relied on an overwhelming work ethic to wear down the resolve of their opponent. Click here for more from Eliot.

If Belarus is able to frustrate Russia with their 1-4 posture -- packing the neutral zone with bodies -- they might just get the turnovers they desire. They will have to be moving their feet, though, to maintain body positioning, in order to avoid committing restraining infractions. But, if they are positionally sound, they know that Russia refuses to dump the puck into the zone, increasing the potential to force turnovers.

Goaltending

Neither guy can afford a weak goal, a loss of concentration or a stretch of indifferent play. Khabibulin has to play a clean game -- not giving Belarus a chance to keep it close because of cheapies. Mezin, meanwhile, has to be the final frustration factor -- turning back the Russians when they do break through at the blue line. Ultimately, Khabibulin’s job is to make all of the saves he is supposed to make. Mezin must do that, too, plus rob the Russians of the "sure goals."

Intangibles

How disappointed is Team Russia to be playing for bronze instead of gold? How distracted are they that coach Slava Fetisov whined about the officiating and an "NHL bias" towards a North American final after the Russians lost to Team USA on Friday? Can a team win a medal when its entire governing body and management team turns the proceedings into drudgery? For Belarus, do they have enough energy to upend the deeper, more talented Russians -- despite this being their ninth game in sixteen days?

Here’s hoping.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and will provide Olympic hockey commentary throughout the Games for CNNSI.com.

 

Related information
Stories
Canada beats Belarus 7-1 to advance to gold medal game U.S. beats Russia to reach title game
Multimedia
Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.