Does he actually think he will be wearing that jersey soon? We can only hope!(Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

As the lockout moves on, the guys overseas are beginning to get comfortable. And while the news isn’t as frequent as if they were here, we still get interviews every once in a while.

The best part about these interviews? Ever play the game telephone? That’s what reading these interviews are as the players answer the questions in English, they are translated to the language of the home team for the site and then we translate them back. Good times.

Today, let’s start in Russia where Ryan McDonagh answered some questions for the Barys official website. He discussed the difference in playing surface and got asked again about the fact that he didn’t know where Kazakhstan was on the map. (I understand this is a big deal for them but if you asked a Kazak to play in Minnesota, I’m pretty sure they would have to look it up too. Just saying.)

Then he was asked about the fans in the States worrying about him playing over there. (Side note: No idea where they would get the idea we are worried. Nope, not worried at all. Come home Mac!)

- Fans of ” Rangers “concerned about your departure, because in their eyes the example Rick Nash received a shoulder injury in Switzerland.

- I do not think about it. More important for me to prepare well for the games and get in shape. Stay here – it is a unique experience for me.

Interesting way to look at it. I get what he saying but he doesn’t care at all what we think? Okay, he probably doesn’t and he shouldn’t. It’s a great league out there and I’m glad he’s getting this experience. (I mean that. I really do.)

But it was his response to a question on the lockout that really caught my attention:

- How long do you think the lockout will last?

- It’s hard to say, but I remain optimistic. Continue to believe that the union and the league will soon agree. But until that happens, I am part of “ Barys “and I want to bring this team the most good.

Does he really believe this is going to end soon? If so, does he know something the rest of us don’t (very possible) or is he just that idealistic and hopeful (extremely possible)? Or is he just saying this because he has to? I hope he’s right but I can’t say I’m as optimistic as he is.

As for on the ice, in his second game for the club he not only lead the team (and all players) in ice time again but he got his first two points – two assists, one at even strength and one on the power play in his club’s 5-0 win over Dynamo Riga. I wonder if he saved the pucks or if they even do that in the KHL.

He assisted on the first and third goals. And no there is nothing wrong with your computer…the video has no sound.

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Next let’s move to Switzerland where Rick Nash conducted an interview that was posted on SNYRangers. He was asked a number of questions about now playing for the Rangers (questions I’m sure he is tired of answering) and gave these responses:

In Columbus you were the star and the face of the franchise… The next year you’re going to play in New York, what is going to change for you?

“It’s going to be fun to be with a team that as a good chance to make the playoffs and win the Stanley Cup. I love Columbus and I loved playing there but it was just time for my career to move on.

The last time you played in the Madison Square Garden, the chant from the crowd was “We don wan’t you!”…

“Now they have no choice, they must want me. I hope they will be happy to have me in the team, in New York there is a great fanbase. The fans at the MSG are great, I’ll be very excited to play there”.

We have no choice, huh? Just kidding. It will be interesting to hear the Garden’s response the first time Nash steps on the ice for the home team. I absolutely expect him to be welcomed with open arms. Knowing some of the regulars in the blue seats, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do more than cheer (i.e. chant the opposite of what they did last time…they’re creative so I won’t begin to try and guess what that chant will be).

He scored a beautiful goal for his sixth of the season but unfortunately it wasn’t enough as his team fell 4-2.

Goal is right at the beginning. Again, not getting my hopes up that he can do that in New York. If he can though? Wow.

And by the way, I know European uniforms have ads all over them but I can handle McDonagh’s. That, on the other hand, is horrible.

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And because this is my site so I can post what I want, we’re going back to Russia where I suggest you fast forward to the 4:05 mark of this video to see a beautiful goal by an ex-Ranger:

For those keeping score at home, that was a shorthanded goal ten seconds into the third period. Way to go Prucha!