Igor Larionov
|
|
Igor Nikolayevich Larionov (Игорь Николаевич Ларионов; born December 3, 1960 in Voskresensk, Soviet Union) is a Russian hockey player. With Viacheslav Fetisov, he was instrumental in breaking the barrier that stopped Soviet players from joining the NHL. He primary played the center position and is considered one of the best passers of all time.
Larionov played for Khimik Voskresensk (1977-81), CSKA Moscow (1981-89), Vancouver Canucks (1989-92), HC Lugano (1992-93), San Jose Sharks (1993-95), Detroit Red Wings (1995-2000, 2000-03), Florida Panthers (2000), and New Jersey Devils (2003-04). He won three Stanley Cups with Detroit (1997, 1998, 2002).
On the international stage, playing for the Soviet Union, Larionov centered Vladimir Krutov and Sergei Makarov on the famed KLM Line. He won two golds (1984, 1988) and one bronze (2002) in the Olympics, and four golds (1982, 1983, 1986, 1989), one silver (1987), and one bronze (1985) in the World Championships. At the forefront of the Soviet players' battle to win their freedom, Laironov was kicked off the national team by head coach Viktor Tikhonov after suspicion of defection. Only the lobbying of Fetisov and other players brought Larionov back to the squad.ru:Ларионов, Игорь Николаевич