Mike Keenan enjoys coaching in Russia

• Keenan%3A %22I%27m surprised that the KHL is better than I expected and it continues to get better%22
• Keenan coaches in English and a Russian assistant barks out the translation of his instructions
• Keenan says Russian fans love hockey as much as Canadians

NHL coaching legend Mike Keenan isn't sure whether he is teaching more or learning more in his capacity as coach for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Kontinental Hockey League.

"This has really been a fascinating study of the integration of different cultures and countries in this truly continental league," Keenan told USA TODAY Sports in a phone call from Russia.

At 64, Keenan has used his NHL experience, wisdom and leadership to drive his KHL team into second place in the Kharlamov Division. But Keenan is just as intrigued by the Russian culture experience as he is by the competition.

Magnitogorsk is a factory town, dependent on the steel industry. It is also a city still in its infancy in terms of exploring all the world has to offer.

"It's really interesting to observe," Keenan said. "They were oppressed people for about 70 years and now when you go to the malls over here they have all of the name brands and McDonald's food. There are so many car dealerships here now, all brand new. In interesting to see people get all dressed up to go out. I think part of what (Vladimir) Putin does is to bring life to the country."

The KHL, in its sixth year, has tried to be a high-caliber league from the beginning. Signing a famous coach such as Keenan fits into the KHL's hopes of being able to attract top talent.

"I'm surprised that the KHL is better than I expected and it continues to get better," said Keenan, who coached 20 seasons in the NHL.

Keenan's coaching staff includes former NHL assistant Mike Pelino, plus a Russian and Swedish assistant. Keenan coaches in English, and he uses catch phrases that players are starting to understand. But his Russian assistant stands beside him and barks out his orders in Russian after he gives them in English.

It helps that five Russians and two Czech players on his team speak English. Plus, Canadians Chris Lee, Justin Hodgman and Cal O'Reilly play for the team.

"It's taken a while to get my head around what the preparation process is here," Keenan said. "The game is a different game. It's a different hockey experience and you are challenged every day."

When Keenan coached in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues. Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames, his stars always received a heavy amount of playing time. Keenan still does that, but he has had to make adjustments to support that strategy.

"Players have to skate a lot more than in the NHL and there is a lot more mileage put on your players. A lot more," Keenan said. "I have to make sure my top players get plenty of rest. Sometimes they get practices off."

Although some rinks are NHL sized, the majority are international size, 15 feet wider. "It's definitely a four-line game over here," Keenan said. "You can't exist on three lines."

He said some players have had difficulty adjusting to his North American style, particularly when he frequently changing lines. Russian teams like to use five-man units. It also causes some raised eyebrows among his players when Keenan uses six defensemen instead of eight.

But Keenan doesn't pull goaltenders with the same frequency as he did in the NHL. That's because he often uses a younger, inexperienced goalie as his backup.

The KHL mandates that he dress four younger players (born in 1992 or later). Keenan figures it's better for his team that one of required youngsters is someone who doesn't have to play.

The Russian players are not being coached by the same Mike Keenan who took the Flyers and Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Final, and the Rangers to the Stanley Cup.

"My methodology changed as I went through my career," Keenan said. "I was not very tough in Calgary. In fact, I think they wished I was tougher there. But I'm demanding here. I put the players through hard practices. They are a really respectful group here."

What Keenan appreciates more than anything else is the number of practices that the 54-game schedule allows him to have.

"We've already had more practices than you would have in an entire NHL season," he said.

He also loves the passion of the Russian fans. "Hockey is very popular over here," Keenan said. "They love it as much as Canadians."

When Keenan was mulling over whether to take this job, he had instant support from his wife, Nola, a substitute teacher.

"For some reason, she was infatuated with Russia long before I thought about coming over here," Keenan said. "She knows more about Russian history than most Russian people."

Keenan enjoys being to visit with some of his former NHL players who are now coaching or managing teams. Keenan said he has run into Igor Kravchuk, Alexander Mogilny, Sergei Nemchinov and Dmitry Yushkevich and he will see Andrei Nazarov next week in Ukraine.

"I love this cultural experience," Keenan said. "I love being among these people to see how they live and what they do."

Keenan signed a two-year contract, but he says he will wait until the end of the season before making any decisions about his future. But he makes it clear that he has enjoyed his experience in the KHL.

"I just had two practices today, and I told the guys, 'I just loved this job today,'" Keenan said.