Wednesday, January 10, 2000

Brittany: How does it feel to be named Player of the week

Yuri Butsayev : It feels really good. It's good to experience once in the season. It's not something I thought about accomplishing - so it feels great to actually do it.

i love Hartford: Congratulations... Which player did you look up to most when you were growing up?

Yuri Butsayev : When I was growing up I looked up to my brother who also played in the United States. He then played in the Red Army. I really admired him. Others without brothers might have some heroes in their country. But - mine was always my brother.

Paul: Great job Yuri, keep up the good work! Just wondering what you like to do away from the game to relax & have you had any difficulties adapting to the North American lifestyle.

Yuri Butsayev : I relax with my parents. They came to visit me. They are up in Detroit. I like to visit them and do things with them when I have spare time. I also like to rest at the hotel, watch TV, movies. Also the team also gets together after games - We sometimes go out somewhere.

Marc Lachance: Do you have any pre-game ritual?

Yuri Butsayev : No - I'm not superstitious. I just like to get ready for the game. I attend the practice in the morning and after lunch get some rest. And then in the evening I arrive at the arena ready to play.

Angela: Yuri- what do you enjoy more: The NHL or the minor leagues of the AHL?

Yuri Butsayev : The NHL is the best league in the world. I think everybody wants to play in the NHL. The AHL is pretty good for young players to get experience and build their confidence and get ready to play in the NHL. All I really want is to play in the NHL. I would most like to be like many of the players on the Detroit Red Wings - It is a team with many talented players.

LENNY GOLEMBIEWSKI: HEY Yuri how`s it going, just want to ask you what u think of the WBS Penguins this year after their season last year and what do u think about our area in wilkes barre, THANKS

Yuri Butsayev : They are a pretty good team with good defensive and offensive zones.We are playing them this weekend. There will be two games in a row. I think they're both going to be great games. When we go to games we are busy with practices and playing hockey. Our day is busy and it's rare that we get to enjoy the city. I don't know about anyone else but when I go to a city playing hockey is my main interest.

Jack Bradley, Brampton: What NHL center would you say best reflects how you like to play the position?

Yuri Butsayev : My style has developed as I've grown up. I tried to do my best on my own without trying to be like anyone else.

Joe Papania: Yuri, way to go! What is more amazing is that you got player of the week in only two games. My question to you is this, how often do you get reports from the Detroit Red Wings about your play in Cincinnati? Do they comment on your play, or things they want you to work on while in the AHL? Good luck against the Pens this weekend.

Yuri Butsayev : Sometimes when I see the management they tell me what they think and what they want. They say that they like the way I play. They want me to work on my game and my confidence and get ready to play in the NHL. My agent is talking to them all the time - and I always know what's going on in Detriot.

Jamie: Have you ever played against your brother?

Yuri Butsayev : I played against him once. It was three years ago in the Russian preseason games. They were conditioning games. I played for my hometeam and my brother played for the Russian "Stars". My team ended up losing. It was my first and last game against him.

Michael McNeely: I am 10 years old and play hockey and would love to play in the NHL someday. Do you have any advise for me?

Yuri Butsayev : Work hard, keep going. Good luck to you and you'll reach your "goals".

Angela: What do you think of the huge comeback my Mario Lemieux??? GO WINGS!

Yuri Butsayev : It's a great comeback. It's huge. It's been great for the NHL and for Hockey. He brings new happiness to the game. I think he knew exactly what the fans wanted to see. I've been watching him on TV. He's probably the best player in the world.

Jamie: Who is your brother?

Yuri Butsayev : My brother's name is Slava Butsayev.

Jamie: Your 2 goals on Saturday were pretty but your celebration for being named 1st star of the game for the 2nd night in a row was awesome. Is there any one aspect of your game you feel you need to work on?

Yuri Butsayev : I always need to improve myself. You can't play every game like the games before. I get excited about some games...others I'm less excited about. But, I always try to play my best and improve in both games and practices.

WrenisaGod: Is it hard to adjust from one coach to another when you come from NHL to AHL?

Yuri Butsayev : It's not that hard. I have a pretty good coach in Cinninati. He teaches the whole team how to improve themselves. In Detroit of course it is Scotty Bowman. One of the biggest names in the NHL. Everybody knows him. He has lots of experience. It's great working with both coaches...they have a lot to teach me.

Moderator: Thanks Yuri. That's all the time we have for now. Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans?

Yuri Butsayev : I like when a lot of fans come to the games. The are supportive and that helps us with the game. We're going to have a great season. Thanks for the coming to the games. Good Luck with everything.

Moderator: Thanks Yuri. Good Luck with the games this weekend.