Slovenia back on the KHL map. Week 12 top imports
Ian Drozg has a striking debut with Amur, imports help Avtomobilist returning to the top. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
USA
D, Avtomobilist, 3 G, 4 (2+2) points, +4
The American blueliner had a striking week last term, scoring points in all games and helping Avto reaching five straight wins (and seven matches without regulation losses). Ebert started his week potting the game-winner in the Motormen’s 2:0 home win over Barys – after a long cycle in the offensive zone, the defenseman unleashed a strong slapshot from the blueline that defeated Julius Hudacek blocker-side for his third of the season. Ebert then collected an assist in Avtomobilist’s 4:3 OT win over Magnitka, then he had a multi-point game when the Motormen crushed HC Sochi 8:2 on Saturday – the American d-man had a goal and an assist that night. Ebert is currently in the top-10 for defensemen scoring, and Avtomobilist is again the top team in the Eastern Conference. For his efforts, Ebert was awarded defenseman of the week honors.
Japan
F, Torpedo, 3 G, 1 (1+0) point, +1
The Japanese forward scored only once this week, but what a goal it was – he tallied the OT, game-winner for Torpedo against Severstal in extra time’s last second for a real thrilled and a well-deserved win for the Igor Larionov’s men. Sato took the puck in the defensive zone, then showcased his signature acceleration, serving Larionov on the right. The centerman gained space for his team to advance, then served a rushing Sato on the opposite side with a laser-like pass – the rookie only had to put it in the back of the net for a buzzer-beater that sent the Nizhny Novgorod crowd through the roof. It was Sato’s third goal of the season, and thanks to this beauty, the Japanese was awarded rookie of the week honors.
Slovenia
F, Amur, 3 G, 4 (2+2) points, +3
A Slovenian player posting good numbers in the KHL isn’t a novelty – just think about Jan Mursak, Robert Sabolic, or Rok Ticar, among the others. However, for some reasons, it has been a little while since these great or other Slovenian players had an impact on the league, but it looks like Amur found a gem in Jan Drozg. The young forward had his debut less than a month ago, yet he had at least a point in all games but one – his second. Last week, he had four points in three games, with both of his tallies being game-winners in Amur’s Ws against Traktor and Barys. Amur is making a strong playoffs push, and Drozg will play a big part in it.
Canada
F, Metallurg, 3 G, 5 (2+3) points, +4
Magnitka has improved its record last week, with two wins and one OT loss (to Avtomobilist). Maillet was one of the best for Metallurg, as usual, and is now on a five-game scoring streak. Three of these matches were last week – the veteran lost no time and had two multi-point games in Metallurg’s win over Sibir and losing effort against the Motormen. To this, he added an assist in Metallurg’s 2:1 win in the Southern Urals derby against Traktor. Magnitka is back to the second place in the East, and Maillet had a key role in his team’s return to victory.
Slovakia
G, Torpedo, 2 G, 1 W, 95.65%, GAA 1.01
Another KHL debutant, Huska is having a good first KHL season with Torpedo, and last week he posted striking numbers, helping Torpedo defeating Kunlun Red Star and stopping 29 shots as the Nizhny Novgorod side suffered from an OT loss to Vityaz (1:2). On Nov 14, the Slovakian netminder got advantage of Torpedo’s excellent performance on defense as he faced only 15 shots from the Dragons – he recorded his first KHL shutout. In Torpedo’s loss to Vityaz, he was also instrumental for the Igor Larionov’s men, and the team gained a point and avoided a loss in regulation. For now, Ivan Kulbakov remains Torpedo’s first option in net, but much can still change.
