Russian forward Evgeni Malkin is the world’s best player and the ice hockey equivalent of Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi, Russia’s acting sports minister Vitaly Mutko said Monday.
Pittsburgh Penguins center Malkin scored Russia’s final goal in the 6-2 demolition of Slovakia in the final, and finished as tournament MVP and top scorer, with 11 goals and eight assists.
“We have a different class of team, the level is very high. Evgeni Malkin is the best player in the world,” Mutko said.
His dominance compared to that of Messi, who shattered scoring records with 72 goals in 59 games for Barcelona in 2011-12, Mutko said.
“He’s like our Messi, our answer to him.”
The Russian team still has weaknesses, Mutko warned.
“There are problems too, but now we have a victory, a holiday, and we have to celebrate.”
Russia will host the Winter Olympics in 2014, but its dominance at the world championships does not assure the country of a gold medal in the Olympic ice hockey, Mutko said.
“The Olympics will really be another tournament, another task. We just have to set aims for each tournament and strive for them.”
“We can still strengthen the team with someone, and so can our opponents.”
The triumph was Russia first at the world championships since 2009, when the Russians defeated Canada 2-1 in the final in Bern, Switzerland, and the country’s fourth title since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Next year’s tournament will also be played in Helsinki and Stockholm, the first time since 1970 that the same hosts have held the tournament two years running.
