 Prior to the series , Bobrov held a press luncheon in Moscow . He refused to consider that either team would sweep the series . To him , Team Canada had " the fire power , know @-@ how and goaltending " , but how would it adapt to international rules , two @-@ referee system and amateur officials ? He conceded that Phil Esposito would " be difficult to move from the front of the net . I expect there will be some surprises for us when we meet your Canadian stars . " He also predicted that Valeri Kharlamov " will stand out , even against your best Canadians . By North American standards , he is small but he has an excellent shot . I think he will be effective . " Sinden was aware of Kharlamov and he selected Ron Ellis to the Team Canada roster especially to cover Kharlamov . 
