D, CSKA, 3 G, 2 (0+2) points, +4
The Slovakian large-framed defenseman moved to CSKA right before the KHL trade deadline as he was moved to Moscow in exchange for his fellow colleague on the blueline Bogdan Kiselevich, who consequently joined Avangard Omsk. Last week, Jaros anchored the blueline for CSKA, getting two assists and posting a league-leading plus-4 differential. The Slovak has helped the Muscovites climbing up to second place in the West, and the most interesting part of the season is just about to start.
F, Kunlun Red Star, 3 G, 4 (3+1) points, +3
The Canadian with Chinese roots had a striking week with Kunlun Red Star, helping the Dragons achieving two victories and netting his first KHL treble. On Wednesday, Kunlun traveled to Minsk to face local Dinamo. Many were expecting the hosts to reach an easy win as they are pushing hard to qualify for postseason, but Pu didn’t agree – he scored a goal per period and brought home his first KHL hat-trick. The 24-years-old forward also had a helper when Kunlun blanked Vityaz at home with a 4:0 win two days later. At his second season in the league, Pu has improved his production and got to the double digits in goals – good numbers especially considering that Kunlun is currently the tenth team in the West.
F, Dynamo Moscow, 3 G, 2 (2+0) points, +2
Two goals in three games aren’t going to impress many, but how the perspective will change fast when considering that both the goals netted by the Swedish forward were game-winners for the Blue-and-Whites. In a heated contest against Salavat Yulaev on Tuesday, with the game tied at two in the late third period, Dynamo had a fast counterattack after a clearing by Andrei Mironov. Bogdan Trineyev picked up the puck and shot from the right circle – Andrei Kareyev stopped his attempt, but Lilja got full advantage of a ricochet right in front of his skates and put the puck in the back of the net from behind the goal line.
After going scoreless as Dynamo was blanked by SKA three days later, on Sunday Lilja again helped the Blue-and-Whites with a game-winner, this time against Lokomotiv. Dynamo is currently the fifth seed in the West, but the standings are close.
D, Kunlun Red Star, 3 G, 4 (0+4) points, +1
The American-born defenseman, son of art, had a productive week as he showed his best passing instincts with four helpers. Chelios started the week with two assists in Kunlun’s win over Dinamo Minsk – including helping Cliff Pu en route to his treble. He then had an assist in each of the next two games, with Kunlun blanking Vityaz (4:0) and losing to Spartak (2:3).
Chelios is currently on a five-game scoring streak and is having one of the best seasons in his career.