Sochi Olympics 2014 News: Is Goaltending a Weakness for Russia?

Russia was among one of many nations to announce its hockey roster for the Sochi Olympics this February.

The new team is filled with a plethora of NHL superstars including Alex Ovechkin, Pavel Datsyuk, Andrei Markov and Evgeni Malkin among others.

Two of the team's netminders are also NHL stars. Reigning Vezina trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky could be the starter for Russia while Semyon Varlamov of the Colorado Avalanche could push him for the starter's spot.

Goaltending is arguably Russia's weakest position as there is no certainty of how any of the netminders will perform in the big tournament. Bobrovsky has been great for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but has struggled with injury over the last few weeks. Meanwhile, Varlamov has struggled to maintain a solid form over the last few years. Third goalie Alexander Yeryomenko of the KHL's Dynamo Moscow could ultimately be the answer though he remains a wild card as well.

Ilya Kovalchuk will also reunite with a number of former NHL players; the Russia sniper voided his contract with the New Jersey Devils this summer in order to remain at home in Russia.

Goaltenders -- Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets; Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche; Alexander Yeryomenko, Dynamo Moscow (KHL).

Defensemen -- Anton Belov, Edmonton Oilers; Alexei Emelin, Montreal Canadiens; Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens; Evgeni Medvedev, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL); Nikita Nikitin, Columbus Blue Jackets; Ilya Nikulin, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL); Fedor Tyutin, Columbus Blue Jackets; Slava Voynov, Los Angeles Kings.

Forwards -- Artem Anisimov, Columbus Blue Jackets; Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings; Denis Kokarev, Dynamo Moscow (KHL); Ilya Kovalchuk, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL); Nikolai Kulemin, Toronto Maple Leafs; Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins; Valeri Nichushkin, Dallas Stars; Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals; Alexander Popov, Avangard Omsk (KHL); Alexander Radulov, CSKA Moscow (KHL); Sergei Soin, Dynamo Moscow (KHL); Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues; Alexei Tereschenko, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL); Viktor Tikhonov, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL).