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Vladimir Tarasenko has referenced the importance of both his father, Andrei Tarasenko, and his grandfather Vladimir in his development and training. He talks to his grandfather and father after every game for pointers and suggestions for improvement, and his father gave some insights to the Russian media on Tarasenko's development. Tarasenko has high standards for himself:
"It's kind of hard, but I like it when people set high expectations for me," said Tarasenko, who has 36 goals and 79 points in 113 NHL games, including a strong candidate for "goal of the year" Monday night in a 4-3 win at Madison Square Garden. "I'm supposed to work twice as hard everywhere. You can't make these people sad [in St. Louis]. It's good pressure."
What his father says explains it all.
Andrei Tarasenko: When I was finishing my career, hockey was becoming faster and faster. It occurred to me that it was necessary ... (1/2)
— Siberian Tiger (@Siberian91Tiger) July 18, 2015
(Andrei Tarasenko) ... to work with Vova on short, quick shots, because in fast hockey you do not have time to prepare to shoot. (2/2)
— Siberian Tiger (@Siberian91Tiger) July 18, 2015
More Andrei Tarasenko: Leading players should always replenish their tricks as rivals study leaders carefully.
— Siberian Tiger (@Siberian91Tiger) July 18, 2015
Andrei Tarasenko: I do not like the word "star." I like the word "master." And there are "supermasters." So Volodya is a "master."
— Siberian Tiger (@Siberian91Tiger) July 18, 2015
Andrei Tarasenko: One cannot stop improving. In today's hockey that's marking time-this is a step backward. Hockey is always going forward.
— Siberian Tiger (@Siberian91Tiger) July 18, 2015
This certainly explains Tarasenko's talent, and it also explains his drive. If he isn't already, it shouldn't be long before he's a supermaster, but don't expect his father or grandfather to tell him that. There's always room for improvement.