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Daniil Miromanov dreamed of scoring goals like Ovi.
On Monday, his top priority is to stop one of his childhood idols from padding his incredible stats.
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‘It was always a dream’: Flames’ Daniil Miromanov excited to share ice with Ovechkin
Daniil Miromanov on Monday’s legendary foe: ‘Ovi was the guy you looked up to. He was the brand, ever since he started playing in the NHL’
Miromanov, a Russian rearguard who has made a heck of an impression in a handful of appearances so far with the Calgary Flames, could be in pinch-me mode as he faces Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals for the first time.
“It’s going to be special, man. I’m excited for it,” Miromanov said after a St. Patrick’s Day practice at the Saddledome. “He is an absolute living legend and he’s done so much for hockey and for Russian hockey, as well. It was always a dream of mine playing against him or playing with him. I had a dream, too, to play against (Pavel) Datsyuk or with Datsyuk, and I had the privilege to play against him during his last year of hockey, when he was in the KHL. And now I’m really excited to play the Caps.”
For any defenceman, the excitement of matching up against Ovi is a case of careful-what-you-wish-for.
We are, after all, talking about one of the greatest lamp-lighters in NHL lore.
Ovechkin has cashed 841 career goals. He’s chasing only Wayne Gretzky (894) on the all-time charts. At age 38, Father Time is his biggest opponent in his quest to bump the Great One to second spot. (A nine-time winner of the Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy, Ovechkin has managed only 19 markers this season, including eight on the man advantage.)
Miromanov, just like Ovi, hails from Moscow.
And remember, the Flames’ emerging fan favourite was already playing Midget AAA when he made the switch to defence. Before that, he was filling the net as a right-shot winger. Sound familiar?
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“Ovi was the guy you looked up to,” Miromanov said, mentioning Ilya Kovalchuk as another of his twine-tickling role models. “He was the brand, ever since he started playing in the NHL, just scoring so many goals and basically scoring on a nightly basis and celebrating like it’s his first goal every single time. His passion and his love for the game, and what he’s done, it will never be taken away.
“That’s Ovi. He’s a legend.”
The 26-year-old Miromanov is still getting settled at the Saddledome. It has been a whirlwind week-and-some since he received word that he had been traded from Vegas to Calgary, and that his new employers were eager to get a contract extension signed that same night.
The Flames’ scouts have long been fascinated by Miromanov’s offensive upside and this late-blooming blue-liner has already tucked two goals on behalf of his new team, including a juicy rebound in the third period of Saturday’s 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
Even more important, especially for a guy who arrived in Calgary with just 29 nights of NHL experience, is that Miromanov hasn’t looked the least bit overwhelmed as he aims to prove he’s capable of filling a top-four role. During Thursday’s triumph over the Golden Knights, he worked a career-high 20:53. He eclipsed that total against the Habs, logging nearly 23 minutes.
“I know what type of player I am and I know my potential,” said Miromanov, who is currently partnered with MacKenzie Weegar and has also been quarterbacking the power-play. “I was just waiting for that opportunity, and right now is just the beginning. More and bigger things are coming. I’m just very happy and I’m just using the opportunity the best that I can. That’s the best thing I can do.”
So far, so good.
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“He has great poise with the puck. That’s one thing with him,” praised Flames coach Ryan Huska. “And I feel like the more that he plays, the more that he feels like, ‘Yeah, I’m (settling) in here now,’ I think you’re going to see it even get better and better. Sometimes, when you look at players like that, you’re thinking, ‘Jeez, does he get nervous? Does he feel the pressure?’
“Because he has that vibe about him where he’s like, ‘Oh, no problem, I’ve got this taken care of.’ It takes me a little bit to get used to those type of guys. But he has great poise with the puck and I think the more we see him, the better he’s going to continue to get.”
If he can show that same poise against one of his hockey heroes, against one of the all-time greats, it will be a very good sign.
If he could hold him off the scoresheet, even better.
“Just enjoy it,” Miromanov said as he prepared for Monday’s matchup with Ovechkin and the Caps (6:30 p.m. MT, Sportsnet West/Sportsnet 960 The Fan). “When you’re a kid, you can only dream about these things. And then when you’re growing up, when you’re slowly on that road, you kind of understand that, ‘Wow, this is the full cycle.’ Because I used to dream, looking up to those guys, idolizing those guys. And now you’re playing against them, the same game that you’ve been watching when you were a kid …
“This is special. This life is special, and the game is special. So it’s a great feeling. Just enjoy every moment of it. It’s going to be exciting.
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
- Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
- Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
- Best Buy Canada
- Walmart Canada
- EB Games (GameStop)
- Amazon Canada
- The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
- Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
- Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
- Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
- Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
- Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
- Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
- Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
- Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
- Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
- Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
- AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
- Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
- VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
- Alan Wake 2
- Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
- Demon’s Souls
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Gran Turismo 7
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
- $699.99 USD
- $949.99 CAD
- £699.99 GBP
- €799.99 EUR
- ¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
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