I wonder if some of it has to do with the fact that in general, goalies don't make the NHL until they are quite a bit older... and Russians aren't known for their patience. So they end up going home to play.
Plus, Canada produces so many kick-ass goalies that other countries don't really have a fair shot.
So, I was thinking. Since tretiak, has there been another great Russian goalie? There have been good ones but any that would be qualified as great? I can't think of one. Khabibulin is best I can think of.
probably not a "great" goalie, but there was another one...played in Philly.... can't dig up the name...