Check this page for updates on Igor Larionov.

On the Wings-Kings Game, his 2nd since returning 123100: "What can you do?" asked Larionov, "Hockey is a 60-minute game. Great excitement. I hope the fans didn't go back to the parking lot. I hope they stayed."

If they did, they saw Larionov corral a bouncing puck just inside the Kings blue line with less than 10 seconds left, creating a 2-on-1 with Yzerman on his right. Larionov got the puck to Yzerman, who cut in on Passmore and put one over the prone goaltender with just 4.3 seconds remaining.

"Once I saw the puck in the air, I took off," said Yzerman, who missed 25 games earlier in the season because of a knee injury. "I had the feeling that he (Larionov) would get control of it. I just headed for open ice.

"With him, you just have to find open ice, he'll find you."

Larionov's new locker is across the room from where he used to sit and dress 123100: "No problem," Larionov said. "I'll be fine. I'm just glad to be back."

"I played five years with this team, and they haven't changed much since I left," said Larionov, alluding to his signing with Florida as an unrestricted free agent over the summer. "This is a great bunch of guys. I'm happy to be back with them."

More on his contract 050800:  "There's nothing much I can tell you right now -- it's been only three days," said Igor. "Of course I would like to stay and I would like to be back for another season with the Red Wings. I hope things are going to work out well."

"It's all business," he said. "You've got to ask management. That's out of my hands. We've been talking all season long, and I was very disappointed ... with all the talks. So now it's all up to them. It kind of distracted me for a while. In the long career I've had, I haven't had a situation like that."

"To be a professional player, I've got to perform, I've got to play well," Larionov said. "I gave my all. I was trying to play my best hockey.

"It's been a privilege to play for this club and to be part of this great organization for the last five years, winning two Stanley Cups. So I can't really think about going anywhere right now. I don't think it's right. I'm still hoping and thinking I can come back and have another year and another run at the Stanley Cup."

When asked if he had played his last Wings game following the loss to Colorado 050500:  "Come on, guys. Give me a break for now," Igor said. "I can't really tell you if it's my last game or not (with the Wings). I'm just disappointed, so I can't really look forward. It's way ahead of me. I can't tell you that."

Contract Update 012500: Igor said he wants contract talks to "get done this week, otherwise we'll wait till summer." "I have no idea where we're going," Holland said, "but I'd like to have Igor back." Assigning fair value will be difficult. With so many key players eligible for free agency this summer, the team's payroll is already one of the league's highest.

Brendan Shanahan and Steve Duchesne also are unrestricted free agents this summer (along with Larionov). Chris Osgood and Vyacheslav Kozlov are restricted free agents who could be in line for substantial raises.  Steve Yzerman and Nicklas Lidstrom have been signed for $7 million to $8 million per year.

Contract Update 012000: It was reported on FSD last night that the Wings have faxed Igor's agent a new 2 year contract for consideration. I hope they get their differences worked out soon!

Contract Update 011000: "There's been a stoppage in my contract," an unusually terse Igor said. "I'm not happy about it. That's all I can say now."

On teammate Steve Yzerman's 611th Goal 010800: "Steve is one of the top players of all time," said Igor, who had two assists. "It's nice to see him keep going strong. He's not slipping." Igor continued, "I hope he plays a lot longer so he can pass a lot more guys."

Contract Update 122999: General manager Ken Holland plans to leave Detroit this morning on a scouting trip, but he also plans to speak with Igor's agent again this week about a two-year contract extension.

The parties had serious conversations before the holidays.

On the Wings 7-2 victory over the Sabres 122999: "Some nights you get a lot of chances and they don't go in," Igor said. "Tonight, we got pressure on net, and the puck went in."

Contract Update 122299: Holland has had serious conversations lately with Igor Larionov's agent about a two-year contract extension. The sides have exchanged proposals and talked numbers.

"I can't say we're close," Holland said. "We've had a number of talks. We don't have a deal. We are apart."

Igor on Obstruction 122099: "It's really sad if the league wants to continue this," he said. "You're going to have more low-scoring games and more boring hockey. I don't think that's fun to play, and I don't think it's fun for the fans to watch."

Igor on his "close" Goal during the Ducks game 121999: Igor's shot with 30 seconds left in the second period, bounced off both goalposts, dribbled along the goalie line, but never got past Ducks goalie Guy Hebert. "It was one of those nights. No luck, no luck at all," Igor said. "Sometimes you shoot from the red line and they go in. Other times you get great chances and don't get the bounces."

On Igor's 2 year Contract extension 121399: Holland said talks with Igor Larionov, are continuing but no deal has been reached.

On Kozzie's two goals 111599: "I'm happy for Kozzie," said Igor, who had four assists during the same game.

"He was kind of sour a bit. Everybody has their ups and downs. We know he's been working hard. The puck just hasn't been going in the net. (Monday) he had two huge goals. I hope it will give him confidence and he'll play a better level of hockey."

On the Wings Powerplay Clicking 111599: "That was nice to see," said Igor. "Power plays are a huge part of the game and we hadn't been taking advantage of our opportunities the last few games."

On his four assists (his first assists in nine games) Igor said, "Still, I'm not happy, because I was also minus-1."

111499: The Wings and Igor Larionov, 39, began discussions last week on his returning for another season. Larionov, in the final season of his contract, has gotten off to a superb start. All four of his goals have been winners, and Coach Scotty Bowman said earlier this month that Larionov is playing as well as he has during his Red Wings career.

On Dallas 111099: "The last few years, it's been a tough series with Dallas," said Igor. "They won it last year and it's always a big challenge to play them. Tonight they made a couple of mistakes that we took advantage of and that was the story of the game."

On his Game Winning Goal against the Canes 110599: "The last three games we didn't play as well as we like," said Igor. "It was a good game for us to get back on a winning track, and fortunately we did."

Igor continued, "Kozzy made a great play and of course I know Arturs. We played on the same team in San Jose so I knew the only way to put the puck in was top shelf."

On the tie with the Kings 110399: "You can't feel real fortunate," Igor said. "We had all sorts of chances and should have won the game. We outshot them. But sometimes I guess it's not our night. We tried to play hard, but I guess the spark wasn't there." Igor continues, "we have so much talent up front, we need to score some more goals. We should be able to control the puck more. I would say we didn't control the puck really well."

On the Blues game 101399: "Just a good game," said Igor. "We stayed disciplined. Our penalty-killing was good. We played a good game."

"Last year, we didn't have a good power play," said Igor "and it cost us games."

Lapointe on Igor: "Igor is a world-class player and he creates a lot of space for you on the ice," linemate Martin Lapointe said. "He's always finding the open area."

Said Larionov: "I was just lucky. I was in the right place at the right time."

On the Thrashers game 100799: "I think we had an awful second period," Igor Larionov said. "We gave up so much in the second period, we gave them too many good chances. But Ozzie made the saves. He was outstanding. We had a meeting after the second period and decided it wasn't too late to play."

On his being fitted with a playing cast and returning to practice 051699: "It's really painful, but it's important to get back," Igor said. "When the series is on the line, you want to help the team. We'll see if the next two days can help me. Right now, shooting hard shots and taking hard passes are difficult."

"I actually feel pretty good," said Igor, fiddling with the hard plastic cast. "I took a couple shots. Passing, shooting, that's my game. I need to do those things."

On his lack of the traditional playoff beard 043099: "When I left Moscow 10 years ago, we didn't have any playoffs at that time," said Igor.

"And when we played in the world championships, it's only two or three weeks, so you don't really have time to grow anything. When I came over here 10 years ago, I was kind of trying to grow a beard, but I wasn't very successful."

On the Wings only power play against the Pens (in the first period and for a total of 18 seconds) 041199: "I don't want to blame the referee," Igor said, "but the guy (Richard Trottier) was kind of awful." ...

On the Pens Style of Play 041199: "They played the same style St. Louis played against us a few nights ago," Igor said. "They played the trap and clogged up the neutral zone. We've got to find a way to penetrate and create some chances against that system."

On the Wings being ShutOut by the Pens Goalie Barasso 041199: "The guy played well, those kind of goaltenders you have to give more tests," said Igor. "But unfortunately, we didn't have too many chances."

"Pittsburgh always gives us a tough time," Igor said. "We have to find a way to get more chances against that kind of system. Barrasso played well, but we didn't give him a lot of competition. You have to test a goaltender more than we did today."

On Shanny's PK during the Canucks game 040799: "That was inspirational play by Shanny, Igor said, and it set the tone." "When you get the crowd behind you, everyone is more pumped up. It was nice to see everybody anxious to go on ice and help."

On Shanny's breakaway attempt during the PK: "He had spent so much energy killing the penalty, he had nothing left."

Hear Igor talk about the PK (need Real Audio): Igor

On The Wings Clinching the Centeral Conference 040799: "I didn't even know about the divisional title," said Igor, who assisted on two of the goals. "Nobody was talking about that. Mainly, we're just trying to get ready to go into the playoffs."

041699 from the Freep by Jason LaCanfora & Helene St.James: Slava Kozlov made his mentor proud Monday night. Kozlov set up the winning goal by mimicking a move famous in Russian hockey -- one Larionov has mastered. Kozlov made a U-turn at center ice, circled all the way back to the Wings' zone, and then sprang Steve Yzerman for a break with a great pass. Larionov sought out Kozlov after the play, beaming like a proud papa. "Igor say to me, 'Kozzie, that's our game,' " Kozlov said. "That's part of Russian hockey."

On his injury (groin pull) 032399:   "It's still sore," said Igor, "I don't have any definite plans right now. We'll probably know more by the weekend." (It has been reported that Igor will not be playing in the Sabres game on 3/24.)

On Kozlov 031899: "Kozzie has a tool box full of great tools, and you've got to use them every day, every day," Igor said. "My biggest concern for Kozzie is for him to be consistent every night. You have to play at high level all the time. I try to help get Kozzie to that level."

On the last 17 games in the Regular Season 031199:  "We have to begin preparing for the playoffs," Igor said. "We're not playing that way right now. We have chances, and we're not putting the goals in."

On the Wings Loss to the Kings 031099: "No excuses," said Igor. "We're all hockey professionals. Fun is fun, but once we step on the ice, it gets serious.

"We had our chances. We had opportunities on the power play and we didn't score. You have to score."

"We have 17 games left before the playoffs. We have to start finding that extra gear now."

On the uncalled high stick he received from Courtnall 031099: "Three referees and nobody sees it," Igor said. "There's no penalty. That's a dangerous play around the eye."

Igor got high sticked by Courtnall just under the right eye after scoring two goals (one short handed).

Igor on his linemates Kozlov and Lapointe 031099: "The players around me are playing well, we're all enjoying playing hockey and producing," Igor said.

"We're all on the same page," Igor said. "It's very enjoyable when something like this occurs."

On Work and Family 031099: Igor has a six-month old son and two daughters. He has thoughts of spending more time with his family. "It's something I have to find a balance for," Larionov said. "I still enjoy the game very much. But I love my family."

On the dismal Wings PP and lack of shots on goal during the Ducks game 030799: "Too fancy, eh?" Igor said. "We couldn't generate anything on 5-on-3. That hurt us big-time."

On the Five Days off for the Wings 022899: "I hope it's going to be a mini-break like we had last year during the Nagano (Winter Olympics)," said Igor, who has three goals and 13 points in his last 10 games. "It helps us big-time. It1s important to relax a bit and rest, and at the same time get a little workout off the ice and get the physical conditioning.

"Last year was phenomenal. I wish the league every season would take off six or seven days."

On the Panther Game 022699: "It's exciting hockey to watch, I'm sure, for the fans and TV viewers, but there were too many mistakes," Igor said. "That's not the way you're supposed to play. Five goals are way too much for us. We thought at 4-1 it was no problem. Then, all of a sudden, it's tied." Igor finished with a goal and two assists in the 5-5 tie with the Panthers.

On Kirt McLean's Save of his OT Shot 022699: "It was a great pass by Stevie and Kirk McLean made an unbelievable save," Igor said. "I just tried to shoot hard. It was some spectacular skillwork by Mac."

"He got me on the tying goal. I thought I got there but he put it under the crossbar. Igor's an old friend of mine, it was nice to make a save like that," McLean said.

On Pavel Bure's Holdout 022699: "I talked to him a couple of times during the holdout, and he stuck to his guns," Igor said. "He stuck to it and he got what he wanted to get and now he's back on the ice."

On his Penalty during OT of the Kings game 022599: "I don't know if I made the mistake or the referee," Igor said. "I don't know if it was a dive or Robitaille made a spectacular play."

On his scoring streak 021899: In the last 12 games, Igor has three goals and 11 assists.

"I don't think anybody counts points," Igor said. "The most important points are for the club. That's five in a row we've won. That's the ultimate goal for us."

Igor on his Deflection Goal Scored During the Predators Game: "It was a rocket, you know," Igor joked.

"Igor shot from a really sharp angle," captain Steve Yzerman said. "I don't know how it got in there, but it did. It's been a real struggle for us to score goals. It was nice to see one get in like that. We haven't got too many of those."

"It's time to pick it up and play solid hockey the rest of the way," Igor said. "We can't afford to lose that many more games. I know you can't be happy about beating an expansion team, but still you need this kind of confidence to build for the next game."

Igor on the Wings 020999: "The way we played the last couple of years," Igor said, "we were the best team because we skated well, controlled the puck well and made those passes. That's the only way we can be one of the top teams in the league. We have to go back to that style, move well and get chances."

Igor on Defensive Responsiblities 020999: Igor is very familiar with defensive responsibilities, the Soviet system required the center to function as a third defenseman. Igor has taken over the LW Lock defensive responsibilities of linemate Slava Kozlov so that Slava can concentrate on scoring.

"I am more of a defensive-minded player, so I told Kozzie any chance you have, think of offense and I'll do your job," Igor said. "I spoke to (associate coach) Barry Smith, and he said as long as I take (Kozlov's) spot and I'm responsible for the defense, that's fine.

"When you have guys like Kozzie or Pavel Bure, whom I played with in Vancouver, those guys should use their ability to score, to skate and create some chances."

Kozzie on Igor 020399: Kozlov has been concentrating more on forechecking and leaving the defensive responsibilities of the left-wing lock to Larionov.

"Igor told me, 'I do your job and you just try to play a little bit behind their defensemen, like Pavel Bure' -- he just hangs around and hangs around," Kozlov said. "So like yesterday, Igor took the left side and I went for forecheck and we got the goal.

"It allows me to jump in more. With the left-wing lock, you have to back up all the time. It doesn't hurt my game last few seasons, but we play a little bit different this year."

Igor to Skip Whitehouse Visit 012899: Igor declined to go for personal reasons, though they do not include the health of his son, Iggy II, who had a nasty bout with dehydration last week.

Update on Igor II 012799: Igor said his 4-month-old son, Igor II, is doing fine. The child was hospitalized briefly because of a high fever late last week.

"It was scary," Larionov said. "But he's doing much better now."

Igor II 012299: Igor missed the 1/19 Calagary game because he had flown home to be with his family as Igor II was ill and briefly hospitalized with the flu/dehydration. Igor was back in the line up last night against the Canes (having a 3 point night of 1 goal/2 assists) and it was reported that Igor II was doing much better.

More on the Wings Slump 011499: "It's tough to find the answers," Igor said. "I wish I knew. We have too many mistakes and haven't played the way we used to play. We haven't played hungry and controlled the puck well. We don't play our style of hockey. We don't make the passes we used to make, for a whole series of reasons."

"We've got to take a look in the mirror and ask ourselves, each player, what can I do to make this team play better? One player can't do it -- it has to be a 20-player effort. You have to be a unit; that's why we've been the best team in the league the last few years. We have to refuse to lose and make every game crucial."

Igor on the Loss of Fetisov 010799: "At his age, he was still able to make great plays and was a big part of our team," Igor said. "Of course you're going to the miss the guy. We have a couple holes from the last couple years in Vladi and Slava and Bob Rouse."

Minor Car Accident 010699: Igor was excused from practice, he has been experiencing minor headaches as a result of a traffic accident on his way to practice Tuesday (1/5/99). {editorial comment, perhaps the reason for his increase in on ice PIMs? ;}

On Kozlov 1229: "This is a time when maybe you should score a hat trick," Igor said.

"I told Iggy he may have been right about the hat trick," Kozzie joked. "I score one by hand, one by feet and one with stick."

"Kozzie can be like a hero, now," Larionov said. "It could have been a totally different game with those three goals, but we work hard to come back. I hope this is a turning point for us."

On the Wings Current Slump 1225: "It's a team game," Igor said. "We've got to play our traditional Red Wings game, a lot of passing, a lot of skating. I don't think we are working hard enough.

"If somebody has a bad night there are some other guys who can stand up, but it seems like this season isn't going well for us. So we've got to take a look in the mirror and have a better second half of the season."

Following the Wings Embarassing Loss to the Expansion Predators 1223: "I didn't think we worked that hard," Igor said. "It's an embarrassing effort.... We created chances and put a lot of shots on goal. It wasn't enough."

"We've got to have a better second half of the season," Igor said. "When you lose four in a row twice in a season, that's a bad sign for the playoffs."

On Scoring in the Wings-Coyotes game 1222: "I guess it was my time to join the offense," Igor said.

During the first period break Igor said the intensity Tuesday was better than it had been in recent games. "It has to be great," Igor said. "We have to get back on track. We can't play as bad as we did in Boston (Saturday)."

On friend/teammate's Slava Kozlov's Slump 1220: “You just have to keep working hard and do your best,” said Igor Larionov, Kozlov's best friend among his teammates. “And sooner or later you’ll be rewarded. You might score a couple of garbage goals, where you go to the net and maybe the puck just bounces in off of you or something. And that’ll get you going again.”

“He’s angry. He’s mad. I know him,” said Igor. “He's working. He wants to score goals. He’s a hard-working guy.”

More on his new helmet 1218: After years of using a vintage Jofa helmet; a model not designed for hockey, although stars such as Wayne Gretzky wear it; Igor switched to an Itech this season.

"Sometimes you don't know what to expect, and with that old helmet, there is no protection at all -- and you're playing hockey, not chess," Igor said. "A couple of times this year I have been saved by this new helmet. Once, in Vancouver, when I was thrown against the glass, this new helmet helped me."

Igor's decision was influenced by the increased attention drawn to concussions: "I thought about it for two, three, four seasons. Now I just decided it's time."

Regarded as one of the smartest playmakers, Larionov's decision to better protect his brain is welcome news to his wingers.

"I know a lot of wingers that line up beside me and say they'd love to have that center," Brendan Shanahan said. "I say, 'Too bad, he's mine.'"

Regarding the Passing in the Wings Win Over the Bruins 1217: "Very nice, very nice goals," said Igor Larionov, a connoisseur of passing. "That's what the game is all about. When you see passes like that, that's the beauty of hockey."

St. Louis defenseman Al MacInnis is the prototypical power-play point man. He lugs a vicious low shot that is deadly accurate, striking fear in opposing goalies and anyone else unlucky enough to be in front of one of his booming drives.

Then there's Red Wings center Igor Larionov -- maybe the last person you'd think of as a point man. One of the best playmakers in the history of the game, Larionov rarely shoots, and when he does, people aren't exactly diving out of the way. Still, for the past three weeks Larionov has manned the point, and quite well, bringing his unique attributes to the position.

"It's worked very well," associate coach Dave Lewis said. "It seems like the last week and a half, he's feeling more comfortable back there. People thought he wouldn't shoot from back there, but he's shooting, and his vision of the ice is his biggest strength, and it's amazing. And he has the ability to carry the puck through people. And when somebody is challenging him he finds the open player. That's his biggest strength."

The coaching staff devised the idea of putting Larionov at the point while discussing how to build an "umbrella" power play. The idea was to put heavy-shooting Brendan Shanahan on one face-off circle, and Nick Lidstrom, who also has a monster shot, on the other. The coaches needed a nimble stickhandler to work the puck to both sides from the blue line, and Larionov came to mind.

Of course, the Red Wings are famous for alternating personnel and lines at any moment. They spent the past couple of days working hard on the power play, including five-on-threes, and had Doug Brown and Anders Eriksson also taking turns on the point.

Igor on Slava as Assistant Coach 1214: "Slava was a huge part of our team the last three or four years," Igor said. "And I miss him as a friend, because we were playing together for many years. And I miss his great passes and I miss him in the locker room.

"Unfortunately, it was a big loss for us. But they are having a good start and I know he's a good assistant coach."

Igor on Vladi Konstantinov's Game Visit 1212: "It gave us a boost to see him." Vladi even took a seat in his old stall in the dressing room between the second and third periods. "It was nice to see him back in there,'' said Igor. "It brings a back a lot of great memories.''

1211: Doctors have discovered a new memory trigger for Konstantinov, sound stimuli using hockey sounds such as skates on ice and sticks shooting pucks. After Thursday's practice (12/10), a handful of the players stayed on the ice to record a tape, skating past high-tech microphones that picked up their voices and the sound of their skates sliding across the ice. The tape will be played for Konstantinov in hopes the familiar sounds will stir buried memories.

"We were glad to do it," Larionov said. "Hopefully, it will help."

Igor on the NHL's Participation in the Olympics 1210: "In any sport, you want the best athletes competing. Hockey is the same as any other sport." Igor continued, "hockey's one of the best games in the world, and people want to see the best players in the Olympics."

Igor on Sergei Mnatsakanov's Visit to Wings Practice 1129: "He's trying to lead a normal life," Igor said. "He's watching our hockey games on TV. He knows what's going on with us and back in Russia. He was talking to (associate coach) Dave Lewis in English. That's a big step, talking in two languages."

Igor continued, "he's confined to the wheelchair, but his mind is clear. He was smiling and cracking jokes. He's not depressed at all."

Igor after his 3 point night (1 goal/2 assists) against the Canucks 1128: "Yzerman, Fedorov and McCarty are playing well," Igor said. "They need support from different lines, including my line."

"I find myself between Marty and Shanny and on first shift we score a couple of goals," Igor said. "Smart coaching decision. It gave us a spark and then we took control."

Igor after ending a 12-game goal-scoring drought 1125: "We had a bad experience against Calgary and Dallas, we got off to bad starts," he said. "But we learned from that. Now we're trying to take the lead and play solid hockey. When you're up 3-0, that helps the confidence. It's much better to play when you have the lead -- that's Red Wing hockey. And we have to play like we've played the last three games."

"Nobody expected me to shoot, so I did," Igor said. "I didn't notice the puck was in the net. I was surprised myself."

Larionov's Attachment to Vancouver Still Strong
November 24, 1998
by Jason LaCanfora, Detroit Free Press

No matter how long he is gone or whether he ever comes back, Red Wings center Igor Larionov always will have a strong sentimental attachment to Vancouver.

That city was Larionov's first stop when he was cleared to leave the Soviet Union to play in the NHL -- among the first wave of players to do so in 1989. He became a fan favorite for his wizardry on the ice and fondly recalls his three years with the Canucks. He has maintained a residence there and has a deep love for the area and its people. He clearly was excited to be back during last weekend's trip with the Wings.

"Every time I play in Vancouver is special," he said. "I still have a lot of friends there. That city gave me an opportunity to play in the National Hockey League, and I appreciate the effort to get me out of the Soviet Union."

Larionov had plenty of friends in the crowd Saturday night, and a special friend was watching closely from the press box. That was Brian Burke, the Canucks' general manager. Burke spent last week on the road shopping holdout Pavel Bure, but was back for the game.

"Brian was the first guy who picked me up at the airport when I first come over," Larionov said. "He was the first guy I met. I enjoyed to play for Pat (Quinn) and Brian ...I had a tremendous three years in Vancouver, and I always appreciate that. We still talk. He's a very good man."

Igor on the Wings Losing 6 out of the past 8 games 1118: "Enough is enough," Igor Larionov said. "We can't allow ourselves to get in a losing mentality. We gave away too many games at the start of the season. I guess that is a good lesson."

Igor on Leaf game 1024: "We gave plays away," Igor said. "Turnovers in the neutral zone cost us the game. With our coach coming back, everybody was trying to do their best, but things were not going that way tonight."

Igor, on a new line tonight centering Tomas Holmstrom and Martin Lapointe, had one goal and one assist.

Igor on Bowman 1019: "He's not coming back after 10 years of absence," Igor said. "He's coming back after surgery. The season is only four games old. Everybody is looking forward to him coming back and leading the team to the Stanley Cup."

Bowman's decision was no surprise to Igor, "He's a hockey man, he doesn't want to be home," Igor said. "He wants to be back behind the bench in his normal position."

The Russian Three 1016: Igor Larionov, Sergei Fedorov and Vyacheslav Kozlov have been taking regular shifts together on a line the past two games.

"It's nice to have them as an option, as part of your arsenal," Associate Coach Dave Lewis said.

Larionov Changes Helmets 1013: I am delighted to report that Igor has switched helmets, gone is the Jofa that provided no protection whatsoever to the Professor's brain and in it's place is an Itech. I, for one, am thrilled to see that Igor has listened to the trainers and switched. (Now to work on getting him to wear a mouthguard).

Sequel to Larionov 1013: It has been reported that the sequel to Igor's "Larionov" book will be hitting the store shelves come this holiday season. This book should pick up where the first left off (when he came to the NHL) and continue through his time with the Detroit Red Wings.

As I get more information on this book, I will post it here.