Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
February 7, 2001

Yachmenev has 12 goals and 14 assists and a plus/minus ratio of -7. (Allsport)

Check out what Nashville Predators right wing Vitali Yachmenev had to say about the season.

So far this season, Yachmenev has 12 goals and 14 assists and a plus/minus ratio of -7. Last year, he lead the Predators in the plus/minus ratio with a plus five and tied for the lead with three game winning goals. He also finished fifth on the team with 32 points.

Vitali Yachmenev: Hello to everyone. Thanks for joining me in the chat room.

Question: carlosv: What has been the highlight of this season for you so far?

Vitali Yachmenev: For this season? probably the trip to Japan. It was a different experience being so far from North America to play and it was my first time in Japan. It was exciting to see the different country.

Question: marty3: How would you describe The Nashville Predators Overall Performance up to this point in the NHL Season?

Vitali Yachmenev: I think we are doing good so far. We are 4 points out of the last playoff spot. The last trip was good and we are happy with where we stand right now.

Question: zamboni: Good Afternoon. I was wondering if you could relate a little of what it was like to play with Gretzky as a rookie and how, that might have affected your current playing style.

Vitali Yachmenev: It was unbelievable. Especially coming from Juniors and playing on the same line as Gretzky. I was nervous to make mistakes at first. He told me to just relax and play well. He gave me a lot of confidence in my NHL Career. I feel lucky just to have played with him.

Question: bignhlfan: Do you prefer left wing or right wing better?

Vitali Yachmenev: I used to play Right Wing before Nashville. the first training camp they put me on the left side and it was uncomfortable for the first few games. Now I can go either left or right.

Question: jeffyjoe: Who is the player that steps up as the leader of the team?

Vitali Yachmenev: On the ice, Cliff Ronning has been the overall leader. Off the ice Tom Fitzgerald has been, as the captain. They are both good leaders.

Question: trotter: This is a team that almost seems to play better away from home, why do you think that is?

Vitali Yachmenev: I don't know! I wish I knew the answer. If I did we would change it. Yes, we have a better record away but we need to not worry about playing in front of the home fans and just play like we do on the road.

Question: barky: Your first goal was against Stephane Fiset. How well do you remember it?

Vitali Yachmenev: You always remember the first NHL Goal especially when Wayne Gretzky assists on it. It will always be in my memory.

Question: rhiannon: Is there any one goalie that you really don't like to see in net?

Vitali Yachmenev: All goalies are good. This league is so good and it is hard to score on any goalie. Some teams we play more during the year and some we play less, but I don't have any particular goalie.

Question: predfan38: Who in the NHL was has helped you out the most? Which player and which team?

Vitali Yachmenev: It would be Wayne Gretzky. It was my first year and playing beside him made it easier to adjust to playing at this level.

Question: bignhlfan: Do you still get nervous before games?

Vitali Yachmenev: No,not really. Some game, if they are big or important, you do. And if you do, you forget after the game starts, after the first shift. I think you get nervous more watching than playing.

Question: trotter: Is there any superstitions or routines you perform before each game?

Vitali Yachmenev: There are certain things guys like to do certain ways. We don't really like to always talk about them but I think everyone has something.

Question: jeffyjoe: Vitali, what was the hardest thing to adjust to playing in the States?

Vitali Yachmenev: Probably the ice surface. In Europe you have about twice the room as you do here. And the language barrier was hard too.

Question: chrish: What is the biggest difference this year with the Preds...as a whole?

Vitali Yachmenev: I think we have more experience. We haven't made significant changes form last year. Everyone has more experience and that makes a difference.

Question: predfan38: In your opinion how have David Legwand and Scott Harnell improved and grown up while they have been in the NHL?

Vitali Yachmenev: They are coming along. Scott is 18 and David is 20. They are starting to step it up. Especially David. Now is the time for him to take charge and do some things, and he can.

Question: fangfinger: OK, Yach, here's what we have to know... are we going to the playoffs this year?

Vitali Yachmenev: We are going to do our best! We are 4 points behind and we are talking about it. We're going to take one game at a time and not get ahead of ourselves. We'll go out to just win the next game.

Question: jingle: Was the win over the Kings that much better because that was your old team or do you guys even think of stuff like that?

Vitali Yachmenev: You always think about playing against the former team. You try to win and show them they made a mistake by trading you. It was especially nice, since it was in Los Angeles.

Question: carlosv: What's it like playing for Coach Trotz? What do you think is the most important thing he has taught you?

Vitali Yachmenev: He is a great coach. We have a good coaching staff too. It has been fun and a success. I guess he has taught me a little bit about everything. And to have fun.

Question: jackal: Have the fans in Nashville been real supportive of the team?

Vitali Yachmenev: They have been very supportive. And it is a great building to play. You hear that from the guys on the other teams too, how good the fans are. It is a nice feeling to play at home.

Question: icequeenj: Is it hard to play former teammates, and do you still get along?

Vitali Yachmenev: You still get along. But when you step on the ice there are no more friends there. You don't think about who you play, you just try to do your best and they try to do their best on the ice.

Question: hithere: Vitali, what is the best and worst things about the travel?

Vitali Yachmenev: The worst thing is being on the plane for so many hours! The best is seeing the different cities and arenas and playing in the different arenas.

Question: predlover: On the road trip Fitzy (I think) said he though that the rough time you all have at home is due to the fact that you try to show off for the home fans and don't stick to the simple game the team plays well and execute a good solid hockey game. Do you agree that the team gets to fancy at home---or do you think there is some other reason it is harder to win at home?

Vitali Yachmenev: I think maybe he is right. Maybe we try to do more at home. At home you are in your own building and you want to show the fans what you can do. But before every home game we say we're going to play like we do on the road .. but..

Question: chad20: Has the team thought about staying in a hotel before home games, to rid the home ice problems?

Vitali Yachmenev: Coach joked about that a few weeks ago before we won 3 straight at home. He said he was going to make us stay in a hotel unless we won some home games. Then we won 3. It was kind of strange.

Question:pwill: Vitali - I saw practice today and you were skating with David Legwand and Scott Walker, is this a good line for you?? and will you guys get to stay together for a few games??

Vitali Yachmenev: Hopefully we get to stay together for a few games. Yes, It is a good line for us. We started the season with this line for a few games and we had some success. Hopefully we will stay with this a little longer and have more success.

Question: fangfinger: What do you think of Lemieux's comeback?

Vitali Yachmenev: It is unbelievable. He was out of the game for 3 1/2 years and to come back with 16 goals and 16 assists in 16 games. Wow. And it is good for the fans. Every place he has been has been sold out. I think it is great for the NHL this year.

Question: marty3: Describe what it's like to "Play" Against the Greatest Hockey Players in the World in the NHL?

Vitali Yachmenev: It is a big challenge. You know when your on the ice that these are the greatest players. And you want to beat them every time.

Vitali Yachmenev: Thank you for joining me tonight. It has been my pleasure to answer your questions. Goodnight.