Sergei Bobrovsky has become the Russian Ice Hockey Federation's goaltender of choice over the last few years. This spring, at least, they're giving him a break.
According to a report from Sport-Express, a Russian sports outlet, the national team reached out to Bobrovsky and came to the conclusion that they wouldn't invite him to play at the upcoming IIHF World Championships in Cologne and Paris.
Here's what Team Russia's goaltending coach, Rashit Davydov, had to say (translation applied):
"We discussed the situation with Sergei and came to the conclusion that we will not call for this world championship. The ending season was for him the most intense in his career. Bobrovsky, of course, is our number one goalkeeper. He is always happy to play for the national team, for his country. Sergei went with us three world championships, the World Cup, took part in the Olympics. In a conversation with the coaching staff, he noted that, if necessary, he is always ready to join our team."
Davydov went on to say that the demands of a long season for Bobrovsky, which began in late August/early September in preparation for the World Cup of Hockey and ended last week in the Stanley Cup playoffs, weighed heavily into the decision.
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to be tabbed as Russia's No. 1 goaltender for the World Championships.
