Top 10 Russians for the 2011-12 NHL Season

Russian hockey players have been in the NHL for decades. They are an excellent addition to the league because they bring a different style of play than the typical North American style. 

Russian skaters typically come in two different styles. Some Russian players bring a big, strong and fast style that powers through the opponent. The other style of Russian player is the creative play-making type of player who has smooth hands and could stick handle through anything. 

There have been many great Russian players in the NHL over the years. The current NHL is no exception, and the league is filled with some great Russian players both well-known and not so well-known.

With the NHL regular season about to wrap up, it’s time to take a look at the ten best Russian players in the NHL this season. 

10. Ilya Bryzgalov

Bryzgalov is the top Russian goaltender currently in the NHL. For the majority of the season, Bryzgalov struggled and did not seem like he belonged at the top level.

But Bryzgalov has settled into his new city and is playing great for Philadelphia. 

The early season slump was simply just a slump. Bryzgalov is the best Russian goaltender, and he will prove it the playoffs. 

9. Artem Anisimov

Artem Anisimov is a young Russian with a lot of skills and a bright future in the NHL. This season, Anisimov is best known for his “sniper” goal celebration. 

While his celebration might have not been a favorite of the league or his opponents, it personified the brash, wild and exciting style Russians bring to the game. 

Anisimov is having a good season or the New York Rangers, and has been a solid contributor. The Rangers are about to start the playoffs as the top seed in the east and Anisimov will help them go far in the playoffs.  

8. Evgeni Nabokov

Evgeni Nabokov has had arguably the best Russian goaltending career in the NHL. This season, Nabokov made his return to the NHL to provide an experienced back-stop for the developing New York Islanders. 

While Nabokov is not having a Vezina-worthy season, he has provided the Islanders with stability in the net. At the age of 36, Nabokov is starting to wind down his career, but this season he proved he still has something left in the tank.

7. Dmitri Kulikov

Kulikov is a very young Russian defenseman. At 6’1” and 183 lbs., Kulikov is on the smaller side. Even though he is lacking in size, he is extremely skilled and is helping the Florida Panthers put the franchise in the right direction. 

Kulikov has 27 points this season, which is good production from a defenseman. While he might not be a very dominant player right now, Kulikov will be the best Russian defenseman in the future. 

6. Nikita Nikitin

Nikitin is another young Russian defenseman. At the beginning of the season, Nikitin was traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Nikitin has 31 points this season for the struggling Blue Jackets. As the Jackets start to fix their franchise, Nikitin will be an important piece to build around for the future. 

5. Alexander Semin

Alexander Semin has had an interesting season for the Washington Capitals. He has 52 points, but the Capitals think Semin should have far more production. 

Semin has had more production down the stretch, and is trying to help the Capitals make the playoffs. It is very likely that Semin will be moved during the offseason, and will most likely become an important piece where ever he ends up.

4. Alexander Ovechkin

Alexander Ovechkin is used to being the best Russian—if not the best player—in the league. The Capitals have tried to change their team’s system over the past several years, and with the changes, Ovechkin’s numbers have suffered. 

During the last month of the season, Ovechkin has picked up his scoring to get his team into the playoffs. Ovechkin still has the skills that make him one of the league’s best players, and should return to his original scoring numbers soon. 

3. Pavel Datsyuk

Pavel Datsyuk is used to winning playing for Detroit. Not only does he win games, but he has some of the best hands in the NHL. Almost every game Datsyuk does a move that leaves everyone in awe.

Datsyuk has 64 points in 66 games this season even, missing games to have some minor knee surgery. Datsyuk is almost a sure-thing in the shootout, and will be very important in the playoffs. His skill and ability to score makes him one of the best in the game. 

2. Ilya Kovalchuk

Ilya Kovalchuk has always been considered one of the best scorers in the game. Kovalchuk has really picked up his scoring this season, putting up 81 points.

Usually, Kovalchuk is a huge defensive liability turning the puck over, but this season Kovalchuk is only at a minus-nine.

Kovalchuk is a powerful scorer, who could have his first playoff success this season with the Devils. Regardless of how the playoffs go, Kovalchuk has proven that he is one of the best scorers this season. 

1. Evgeni Malkin

It goes without question that the best Russian player in the NHL this season has been Evgeni Malkin. Malkin is going to win the scoring title this season, already being at 105 points with a few games remaining. 

He proved that he can lead a team and really made the most of the chances he got this season. With Sidney Crosby down, Malkin used that time as a chance to step out from Crosby’s shadow and prove that he is just as good, if not better than Sidney Crosby.