The Real Slava Kozlov Has Stood Up

One of the true impressive occurrences in the game of hockey is watching some of the older players still compete with the young up-and-coming kids. You think of veterans like Joe Sakic, Daymond Langkow, and Doug Weight when the topic is brought up.

Although the new NHL is built for plenty of speed which assists the teenagers more, there's still a fair share of crafty pros proving that youth isn't everything.

A name that often doesn't get enough mention for an athlete of this caliber is Vyacheslav "Slava" Kozlov. Originally a 45th overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, success has followed Kozlov seemingly where ever he has competed.

This gifted forward was part of Scotty Bowman's "Russian Five" unit in Motown consisting of himself, Sergei Fedorov, and Igor Larionov at the front with Vladimir Konstantinov, and Viacheslav Fetisov on the defensive end.

It was Larionov and Fetisov who were viewed as father figures to the remaining three Russians. A dangerous group constantly on the ice, these five talented individuals played a major role in Detroit's 1997 Stanley Cup success.

Fetisov and Larionov have both been inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and the remaining three may follow. Of course, Konstantinov's unfortunate accident hurt the organization, but he's still never been forgotten.

Meanwhile, Fedorov surpassed Alexander Mogilny's record for most goals scored by a Russian-born player (473) on October 25th of this year. Kozlov was traded to Buffalo in exchange for Dominik Hasek in 2001.

One injury-plagued season was all the Sabres received, and Slava was traded to Atlanta. He scored 20 goals or more in each of his first four seasons with the Thrashers, and totalled at least 70 points three times.

Then, he hit a bit of a rough patch last year with just 41 points in 82 games. All it takes is one bad campaign for people to lose their faith in you. It's happened to many players, and I ask myself why they are immediately labelled "has-beens," or "nobodies."

So, sitting in a friend's basement at around 3:00 a.m. during my live fantasy hockey draft, I got to thinking. Only a few rounds were remaining, and the list wasn't bearing anymore superstar names.

I don't know how many would call this a risk, but I chose Kozlov in the 10th or 11th round. Immediately, the insults followed.

"What are you thinking?"

"You must be tired to pick him."

"He was terrible last year."

Considering he was great the previous four seasons, those were odds I was willing to gamble with. Kozlov doesn't receive enough credit for what he brings to the table: experience, smooth passing, awareness, terrific hockey sense, and a remarkable shot.

Atlanta has completed 36 games thus far in 2008/2009, and Kozlov has scored 15 goals to go along with 19 assists for 34 points. Ilya Kovalchuk is sitting on 11 goals, and may not reach 40 or 50 this time around.

Will the accusations follow him? I highly doubt it. Just because he is Ilya Kovalchuk, as Alexander Ovechkin is himself. On a line with Bryan Little, and Todd White, Kozlov has proved that his hockey career isn't nearing it's finish just yet.

One of the few things Atlanta fans have had to smile about. Shootouts are another area you'll find this Russian succeeding in. Anyone who wants to learn how to beat goaltenders one-on-one, look no further than this goal.

Take a note, and practice. Don't make the mistake in ignoring the name of Vyacheslav Kozlov in the NHL. I just looked at today's stats, and noticed that another assist was near his name.

Make that 35 points in 37 games.