Vladimir Krutov dead at 52

[Bonsixx]

First I've heard of him in a long while, actually.

I was just a kid, but I still remember hearing a real excitement about Krutov joining the NHL, as there were those who thought he was the best player not playing in the league at that point. He never really lived up to that billing, but he had some great international success.

http://www.canada.com/sports/all/Vladimir+Krutov+Soviet+hockey+teams+Line+dies/6738724/story.html

 

[hockeyfan1]

That KLM line was special.

I'm familiar with Soviet names a la Tretiak, Bylyetidnov, Kharlamov, Kapustin, Yakushev, et al., all from the early era Soviet teams of the '70s.

Fetisov, Kasatonov, Krutov, Larionov, and Makharov were elite company amongst the Soviet teams of the 80s. 

 

[drummond]

That KLM line was special.

I'm familiar with Soviet names a la Tretiak, Bylyetidnov, Kharlamov, Kapustin, Yakushev, et al., all from the early era Soviet teams of the '70s.

Fetisov, Kasatonov, Krutov, Larionov, and Makharov were elite company amongst the Soviet teams of the 80s.

That line was just incredible, Larionov was the brain of the whole formation, Makharov was incredibly skilled finisher but he was good playmaker too. Krutov was more of sniper. Fetisov was nasty down low and Kasatonov was an excellent passer. What a line, I hated them my whole childhood, but it was really something to watch them. The NHL got a glimpse of their glory, anyway Makharov, Fetisov and Larionov even though at very late stage of their carriers had a decent runs. If those guys had played in the NHL longer, they would have all made a solid mark, especially Larionov and Makharov may have had Sakic/Nieuwendyk-like numbers.