Photo: @kuzy092
On Monday, Evgeny Kuznetsov did a Russian language interview with Sport FM radio host Vladimir Dekhtyarev. Kuznetsov gabbed about his season to date and explained what it has been like playing under Barry Trotz.
“His plan was easy to understand,” Kuznetsov said, as translated by Fedor Fedin. “It was hard though to do all the little things that he demands, everything, even what side to place the stick on. Nothing escapes his attention. He watches very carefully and it was tough to change early on.”
The interview even features a cameo by Dmitry Orlov who started talking while in the car. Check it out.
Vladimir Dekhtyarev: What do you think about the city? How do you get to games and ptactices? Veterans often help driving rookies, how is it for you?
Evgeny Kuznetsov: I like everything about the city. I remembered all the streets quickly so I drive myself. I have no problems with it. What you said about the rookies, yeah, such practice exists but it’s not like I’m a little kid — I’m 22 so I bought the car right away and drive to the practices myself.
VD: Barry Trotz talks a lot about your improvements since you arrived and that he sees you as a second-line center. Was it difficult to understand coach’s plan?
EK: His plan was easy to understand. It was hard though to do all the little things that he demands, everything, even what side to place the stick on. Nothing escapes his attention. He watches very carefully and it was tough to change early on.
VD: Everybody says that Trotz is a dictator. Do you notice this?
EK: I’d say that there’s order and discipline. That’s what the game is built on. Our coach is a man of strong character, but I wouldn’t say that he does anything wrong. I like that order and his approach.
VD: Everybody is used to Trotz being all about discipline and defensive play. Do you have more of an attacking task now or are you in a more defensive role?
EK: For a year I’ve been taught to play defense, but we’re not prohibited from joining the attack. We play attacking hockey. I wouldn’t say that our game is mostly defensive.
VD: How is Dmitry Orlov doing? Do you keep up?
EK: He’s right next to me in a car. You can ask him.
VD: How is his health?
Dmitry Orlov: I’m fine. I’m nearing the return, feel good and will begin playing soon.
EK: That’s about the question of who is driving young players and rookies. I’m driving him. He’s young and inexperienced.
VD: Evgeny, you speak decent English already. How is the language, do you study with a teacher?
EK: I’m still trying to find a teacher, it’s been a year already. I don’t have any problems, but in the summer I plan to take grammar lessons. Everyday language doesn’t cause any issues but I still need to learn a little. I manage to not make any gaffes in the interviews though.
VD: So you have no problems with media?
EK: They’re understanding and ask questions slowly and audibly. Most media are our beat writers — they attend every practice and follow us on the road.
VD: We follow you in the scocial networks and notice that you communicate with basketball, baseball, football stars. What sports do you like?
EK: Basketball. I’ve been to the baseball games a few times, but found it boring. Football is fun, especially the Super Bowl. Important games are exciting. But basketball is still more interesting.
VD: Have you talked with the national team representatives about your possible participation in the World Champs if Washington doesn’t go far in the playoffs?
EK: Yes. It’s no secret that [ex-NHLers Alexey] Zhamnov and [Alexander] Khavanov came over and talked to us. We all of course expressed willingness to come, we are always ready to play for the national team and there’s no problem for us to pack up and come for the camp. However, we’re concentrated on our team’s playoff run. We have good chances and this is our first order of business. But we don’t forget about the national team.
Translation by Fedor Fedin.
Thanks to Alex Seren Rosso for the heads-up.
