Russia's Artyom Anisimov in action against Austria on Sunday.
photo: Andre Ringuette / HHOF-IIHF Images
Russia’s head coach, Ilya Vorobyov, concluded: “We need Anisimov!” And so, despite having his vacation booked, the Blackhawks forward changed his plans and packed his bags for Denmark.
Vorobyov’s call came during Russia’s recent Euro Hockey Tour struggles when he admitted that the injury crisis enveloping the team made it essential to fly in reinforcements from across the Atlantic as soon as possible. Anisimov answered that plea, joining up with Russia in Sweden before heading on to Copenhagen. A goal in the opening 7-0 drubbing of France was an immediate consolation for postponing that trip to the beach.
“I was planning my vacation when I got called up for the national team,” he said. “Luckily I had a bit of time for a good rest and got prepared and started training for the Worlds. But yes, I had to return the tickets for my trip.”
Now he’s here, somewhat surprisingly, the 2014 World Champion is looking to continue learning about his game. Despite being one of the most experienced players on a roster with an average age of 26, the 29-year-old Lokomotiv Yaroslavl alumnus believes he has much still to master.
As the Blackhawks missed out on the play-offs this season, Anisimov saw a dip in his own productivity. In particular, a return of 11 assists in 72 NHL outings was a big disappointment. It’s prompted a rethink.
“I need more vision, I need to be ready to look up and see where the players are around me,” he said. “Then I can make the plays." A nicely-worked assist on Mikhail Grigorenko's second goal against Austria and a neat interchange with Pavel Buchnevich before potting Russia's second of the game suggest that a change of environment is helping to bring a new look at the game.
“Really, I’m keen to keep practising my game and getting better in all aspects. I’m watching lots of hockey right now and picking up some stuff from different players," Anisimov added. "Specifically, I’m thinking about play in the D-zone, how I play with the puck, how I shoot, things like that. I just want to improve my game.” Vacation or not, the chance to extend the season into May gives another opportunity to add new tricks to the repertoire and get a close-up look at fresh opponents and new teammates.
As the Blackhawks missed out on the play-offs this season, Anisimov saw a dip in his own productivity. In particular, a return of 11 assists in 72 NHL outings was a big disappointment. It’s prompted a rethink.
“I need more vision, I need to be ready to look up and see where the players are around me,” he said. “Then I can make the plays." A nicely-worked assist on Mikhail Grigorenko's second goal against Austria and a neat interchange with Pavel Buchnevich before potting Russia's second of the game suggest that a change of environment is helping to bring a new look at the game.
“Really, I’m keen to keep practising my game and getting better in all aspects. I’m watching lots of hockey right now and picking up some stuff from different players," Anisimov added. "Specifically, I’m thinking about play in the D-zone, how I play with the puck, how I shoot, things like that. I just want to improve my game.” Vacation or not, the chance to extend the season into May gives another opportunity to add new tricks to the repertoire and get a close-up look at fresh opponents and new teammates.
Anisimov might have lined up with his Chicago team-mate Artemi Panarin, had injury not ruled him out of Russia’s plans. Instead, he’s on a line with Buchnevich and has been quick to find some chemistry with his new partner – but he isn’t eager to compare his colleagues. “Buchnevich resembles Buchnevich, he plays in his own style,” the forward smiled. “It’s hard to compare one player with another, everyone has his own way. With some guys it works out one way, with other guys maybe it’s a bit different. But it’s not hard to adjust. It’s hockey, we play, we talk about it, we find that understanding.”
The opening games in the tournament, against France and Austria, offered a gentle start for Russia – perhaps too gentle for some tastes as Russia powered to 7-0 victories in both. But Anisimov was quick to warn against complacency.
“Why do you call them ‘warm-up’ games?” he said. “Every game is important, you can’t underestimate any opponent. Every team can spring a surprise if you let it.
“There were a few things in the first game that we weren’t happy with. We need to be tougher on defence, there were little glitches that we have to put right. We need to improve our game without the puck.
“It’s not fair to say we eased up in the second period against the French, it was more that they picked up the tempo of their game and played more aggressively and we clearly weren’t quite ready for that yet.”
As for the rest of the tournament, Anisimov is expecting a high standard of action. The evidence of the opening game between the USA and Canada, or at least the highlights the Russian players saw on Friday evening, suggested plenty of competition for the medals this year. “The standard is good at this tournament,” he said.
The opening games in the tournament, against France and Austria, offered a gentle start for Russia – perhaps too gentle for some tastes as Russia powered to 7-0 victories in both. But Anisimov was quick to warn against complacency.
“Why do you call them ‘warm-up’ games?” he said. “Every game is important, you can’t underestimate any opponent. Every team can spring a surprise if you let it.
“There were a few things in the first game that we weren’t happy with. We need to be tougher on defence, there were little glitches that we have to put right. We need to improve our game without the puck.
“It’s not fair to say we eased up in the second period against the French, it was more that they picked up the tempo of their game and played more aggressively and we clearly weren’t quite ready for that yet.”
As for the rest of the tournament, Anisimov is expecting a high standard of action. The evidence of the opening game between the USA and Canada, or at least the highlights the Russian players saw on Friday evening, suggested plenty of competition for the medals this year. “The standard is good at this tournament,” he said.