PARDUBICE, Czech Republic--The Russians win, The Russians win; and they couldn't have done it without Stanislav Chistov. Chistov the 1st round pick of the Anaheim Tigers scored 4 goals and added 4 assists in just 7 games to help the Russians clinch the their 11 WJC gold medal. Chistov was also named to the All-Star team after being barred from playing hockey due to a contract dispute.
The play of Chistov has the Anahiem Front Office salvating at the thought of both Chistov and Gaborik playing together on the same line.
"Chistov is still a year or two away," said GM Bill Drake, "but when he gets here we'll have a stronger team defensively and he won't feel in over his head."
Gaborik, who broke out this year, is out indefinately and won't see the ice again until next season. With that the Tigers must be content to build towards the draft and maybe find a center to play with Gaborik and Chistov.
Posted on Feb 1, 2002, 9:45 PM from IP address 67.193.106.154