Nabokov's Mask Broken Down
by Ivano M on Jan 27, 2010 2:26 PM PST
in Winter Olympics
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As pointed earlier by Mr. Plank in his fanpost, with the help of Bay Area Sports Blog we get to take a first look at Evgeni Nabokov's goalie mask designed by Todd Miska for the upcoming Winter Olympics. As many fans would wonder about the meaning of imagery, as your special FTF Russian correspondent, I'm here to exlusively break it down for you.
The first thing that hits your eye are the letters unknown to most of you, but it doesn't take an advanced college degree in Slavic languages to guess that "Россия" stands for "Russia".
The red color should also be self-explanatory. Not only has USSR/Russia never played hockey in any other colors, with recent resurgence of national pride, all Russian uniforms in all sports are now back to wearing red. Blue color that some teams used to wear (for instance, soccer team) signified change during Yeltsin's era, and now that the collapse of Soviet Union is considered a tragedy, red is again starting to dominate national colors. What I find interesting is that it's quite a departure from the colorful mask that Nabokov spotted four years ago in Torino - must be Kremlin's orders.
The next thing we see is the bald two headed crowned eagle. There is no surprise here either, as this is the official Coat of Arms for Russia that dates as far back as 15th century. That symbol was not used during the era of Communism, but Yeltsin ressurected it back in 1993 under his new regime.
As a Russian, I'm glad that Nabokov chose these symbols for his goalie mask and he apparently is pleased with the work. We take great pride in accomplishments of our athletes, and the country is never as united as it is during the Olympics. However, I almost feel that Nabby took too conservative of an approach, because this imagery doesn't have a lot of his personality on it and is very predictable. In fact, it will not surprise me if all three Russian goalies have the same imagery on their masks. Maybe there is more in the back that we can't see? But if that mask stops Canada or USA in the final in Vancouver, I suppose who cares?
... 27 days till the puck drops.
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Basil Exposition: Austin… we won.
Austin Powers: Oh, smashing, groovy, yay capitalism!
Randy Hahn: "I’ve been referred to as a playa…"
HAHAHA
Fear the Fin: "C'mon Drew, we're going streaking!" - Randy Hahn, 12/31/09
"Say whatever the fuck you want!" - Danny Miller, 1/9/10
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Jan 27, 2010 5:01 PM PST up reply actions
Yep
Thanks Ivano
It’s a nice, clean design – though I agree, it lacks ‘Nabby’
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Jan 27, 2010 6:10 PM PST up reply actions
Thanks Ivano
It’s nice to get a perspective the how and why with the colors. My newspaper doesn’t fill me in on such details; instead I’m made aware of when Britney Spears is allowed to visit with her children or what color eyeglasses Sarah Palin chose for her trip to Iowa. I’ll be rooting for Nabokov when any non-US team is shooting on him. Russia should be very proud of him because he’s an amazing talent and I’m sure glad he’s a San Jose Shark.
I'll drink that! oh...I'll drink TO that.
I like the idea of the same mask for all 3 goaltenders.
There is a cool element to individual masks in the NHL, but for the Olympics, it’s almost cooler to know that the goaltenders might put all that aside and adopt something so uniform (and I mean that in more ways than one).
The Olympic Movement and the concept of National Identity and being at the Games because it’s an honor to represent your country come first. Maybe to some extent, that’s reflective in these masks. These are usually a place for a goaltender to assert their identity and make it about themselves.
In this case, maybe the team is putting all that behind and trying to come together as one team, one nation with one goal.
It’s all cliche, yes, but when you see it out there on the ice, hear it in the players voices when they talk about the anticipation and the privilege and the expectations they’re shouldering, it becomes very very real.
I tend to put sports on a pedestal they don’t deserve, but in this case, it may be closer than normal. Part of it is my own excitement at being able to attend the Games, and part of it is growing up away from my own Mother Country and her sports, but knowing the passion anyway through family, but international sporting events are just unlike anything else.
I will, of course, be rooting for my home country, but no matter what, I’m always awed and amazed at the passion these diverse players show for their homelands, and it’s a thrill and a pleasure to watch them do what they do. As a fan, it’s even more amazing to me that they show even a fraction of it when they play for MY team, and it’s why I respect them and am willing to part with my own money to watch them do it.
GO TEAM GO!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
You bring up an excellent point here. I think if anything, Russia is going to try to be a team. While I’m sure I’ll miss him when we fail to score on a PP, I’m glad that Zubov, who’s always been very selfish about playing for Russia, is not going and is pissed about being snubbed. The two teams who won recent World Cups were teams first, individuals second. Ovechkin said that four years ago Team Russia had a bad internal atmosphere. This year they’re trying to change that.
That’s also what I always loved about Nabokov – he’s always been willing to play for Russia and answered the calls as quickly as they came. For that alone he deserves a gold medal, unlike people like Zubov, Khabibulin and Kipper (who said he won’t go unless he’s a started – what a douche).
This is weak
but it’s the best picture I could find of Nabby’s Torino mask.
It’s in the portfolio here.
I shouldn't have said anything.
I like the mask
I’m all for patriotism and home colors on the mask of the goalies.
I’ve seen some of the US ones as well somewhere, they look really good.
In other news, the baby sharks are playing:
http://atdhe.net/watch-american-hockey-league.php?s=sharks
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
It’s now 2-0, Ferriero scored a while ago. IIRC, he’s now tied with Couture in points.
Lots of kudos for Stalock by the Manitoba Moose announcer.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
It’s been a fun game.
I missed the 2nd goal, Stalock is playing really well.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I started watching right as the second goal was announced, so I missed both. Not the third non-goal, though. Stupid refs and their whistles…
And I completely agree. Stalock has been playing extremely well, stopping everything imaginable. I’m really excited about him.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Mash’s goal was great. Henderson skated across the middle and dropped the puck back to Mash while picking the defender. Mash was right behind him and roofed a slap shot, goalie didn’t really have a chance on it, it was a fast play and I think the defender may have screened him a bit.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Nice. I love it when the WorSharks do well – it means that the SJ Sharks are in for a great future.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Apparently Couture got called up, along with Demers…
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Yeah, saw that a few hours ago, along with Boyle being doubtful for tomorrow. Right now, I’m thinking Staubitz might be a healthy scratch against Chicago.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
him or Shelley. Neither is really needed tomorrow
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Yeah, although Shelley is smarter about his play than Staubitz is. I trust him to not take stupid penalties a lot more than Staubitz (and Blake, for that matter, haha).
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
I think Blake plays so hard on the PK as penance for his daily hooking penalty.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Yeah, I think that’s exactly it.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
I get the feeling he doesn't know the mic is on during the break
I keep hoping he says something stupid.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I think he’s the radio announcer, and so during the breaks is used to there being commercials. So yeah, he probably doesn’t know. It’s kind of hilarious, really.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Haha, he’s talking about getting drinks with someone after the game right now. Nice.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
PP!
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
They've been struggling on the PP
Just like their parent club…
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Seriously
That PP was kind of pathetic.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Not that hard to do, haha.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
You can tell, because the WorSharks kind of suck at killing penalties, and have killed them all so far tonight.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Just realized that Schneider is the opposing goalie – he’s supposed to be really good.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Aren’t these the baby Canucks?
Poor kid isn’t going to see the NHL for a long time.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Yup
And I think Schneider was Luongo’s backup last year, but didn’t do so well when facing NHL-level talent.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
I thought that Schneider was a vet… now I need to look him up.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
PK
It’s those damn Communists, trying to silence McCarthy!
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Haha
“They just can’t beat this kid tonight.”
I ♥ Stalock.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Some good saves there at the end of the PP
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
BOOO
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
I vote for Stalock to score an empty net goal.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
I tuned in to catch the final period of W.Sharks
Have they announced the attendance? Can’t be more than 1000 there.
GO WOOSHARKS
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Jan 27, 2010 6:08 PM PST reply actions
It is wednesday
There is a reason they usually play back to back to back from Friday through Sunday.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I felt compelled to check the attendance numbers
Here’s a great site (oft updated) for anyone else interested in the numbers
Minor Hockey Attendance
Looks like Woo is pulling in an avg. of 3300, just ahead of Springfield.
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Jan 27, 2010 6:16 PM PST up reply actions
This is continuing on a tangent
But it’s sad to see the storied Johnstown Chiefs so low on the list, only pulling in an avg. of 2000 and dropping. : (
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Jan 27, 2010 6:26 PM PST up reply actions
Empty net!
C’mon Stalock, it’s your time to shine!
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
GOAL!!!
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
And that was the slowest empty net goal I’ve ever seen.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Did Zalewski score that from behind his own net?
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
He might have. That’s pretty impressive.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
WIN
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Jan 27, 2010 6:16 PM PST reply actions
That puts the Sharks in 2nd with 59 points
3 games in hand on the Monarchs.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Nice!
Now it’s time to switch back over to Wild /Wings
(F*Detroit!)
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Jan 27, 2010 6:27 PM PST up reply actions
Stalock = #1 star!
26th win, wow.
McGinn was pest of the game.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
In the first
McGinn managed to drop one glove, punch a guy twice in the face and not get a penalty.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
That’s very Semenovian.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
The other guy acted like he was going to drop the gloves, I think he was trying to trick McGinn into taking an instigator or something. McGinn through a couple punches and then it stopped. The ref saw the whole thing, probably told the other guy he deserved it.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Haha, very nice. McGinn is awesome.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Sorry, 25th win. My bad.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
" I almost feel that Nabby took too conservative of an approach, because this imagery doesn’t have a lot of his personality on it and is very predictable."
If I remember right, the imagery on Nabokov’s mask doesn’t have too much to do with his personality. I think he said “make it look cool”, and let the artist do the design. I think that was around the time they had one of the auctions a few years back when he made that quote.
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