Outpoll | 39-year-old Radulov assists in Lokomotiv's match against CSKA.

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39-year-old Radulov assists in Lokomotiv's match against CSKA.

39-year-old Radulov assists in Lokomotiv's match against CSKA.

1 day ago7 min read4 comments

In the high-octane theatre of the KHL, where the ice tells a thousand stories of grit and glory, the narrative took a compelling turn as 39-year-old Alexander Radulov, the veteran forward for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, orchestrated a moment of pure class in their FONBET KHL clash against arch-rivals CSKA. With the game finely poised, it was Radulov's veteran savvy that carved open the opportunity, a deft, almost telepathic pass finding Maxim Shalunov who made no mistake, slotting home Lokomotiv's third goal in what would ultimately be a decisive 3-1 victory.This wasn't just another assist; it was a statement, a testament to a career defined by relentless passion and an almost Messi-esque vision that seems to defy the relentless march of time. For Radulov, this single play brought his tally to a formidable 17 points—8 goals and 9 assists—in just 16 games of the regular season, a scoring rate that would be impressive for a player in his prime, let alone one navigating the twilight of a storied career.He now sits fourth in the league's overall scoring race, a mere two points behind a trio of sharpshooters: Andrew Poturalski and Josh Leivo, both tied at 19 points, and Dmitri Silantyev with 18. The context here is everything; Radulov isn't just padding his stats, he's leading a charge, embodying the same ferocious competitive spirit that once saw him light up the NHL, a player whose intensity could be compared to a Zlatan Ibrahimović on skates—uncompromising, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable.His current form sparks a fascinating debate about longevity in professional hockey, a sport that is increasingly dominated by youth and explosive speed. How does a 39-year-old not only remain relevant but become a central catalyst for his team's success? It speaks to a profound hockey IQ, a mastery of spatial awareness and anticipation that allows him to be a step ahead of players ten years his junior.It’s the same quality that defined legends like Jaromir Jagr, whose careers were extended not by physical dominance alone, but by an unparalleled understanding of the game's geometry. For Lokomotiv, Radulov's performance is more than just points on a board; it's a leadership quotient that is immeasurable, guiding a younger roster through the gruelling marathon of a KHL season where every shift against a powerhouse like CSKA is a battle of wills.Looking at the broader landscape of Russian hockey, his resurgence adds a layer of intrigue to the national team conversation, posing the question of whether his experience could be invaluable in future international fixtures. The clash with CSKA itself is a cornerstone of the KHL calendar, a rivalry steeped in history and national pride, and for Radulov to be the architect of a key moment in such a fixture underscores his enduring quality. Analysts will pore over his detailed statistics, but the real story is written on the ice—a player who connects the past and present of Russian hockey, a living legend still writing his final, thrilling chapters with every shift, every pass, and every point that defies the conventional athlete's timeline.