Duszak, Sulak help their team eyeing the playoff. Week 23 top imports
Points from the blueline, big saves, and sharp attacks. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
United States
D, Dinamo Minsk, 3 G, 6 (1+5) points, even
Joseph Duszak, the dynamic defenseman of Dinamo Minsk, has once again proven his worth in the league, garnering the title of ‘Best Defenseman’ for the second time in this season. With his exceptional performance on the ice last week, Duszak tallied an impressive, league-leading 6 points, including 1 goal and 5 assists, setting the bar high for his peers. Not only did he showcase his offensive prowess, but he also displayed his defensive skills, blocking two shots and snatching one takeaway. With Duszak’s contribution, Dinamo Minsk is on the brink of qualifying for the postseason.
Czechia
D, Admiral, 3 G, 4 (2+2) points, +3
Seeing Sulak in this column is not a novelty – the Czech defenseman is one of the best in the league, and fifth overall for points from the blueline. But what’s even more important is that Sulak is leading the Sailors to another playoff qualification with his incredible performance all-around – not only does he score regularly, but he’s also achieved an impressive plus-7 differential for a team who is on a mere seventh place in its conference. Sulak was the best for Admiral on Feb 7, when the Sailors boarded Torpedo for a huge 3:1 away win, with the Czech blueliner taking part in all three goals for his side. The Vladivostok franchise is currently on the verge of finally achieving a postseason qualification.
Canada
G, Metallurg, 2 G, 2 W, 94.83%, GAA 1.50
The Canadian netminder is back to strong performance last week – he was nothing short than excellent in two Metallurg wins, against SKA and Sibir, respectively. In the home game against St. Petersburg, Pasquale posted 26 saves, helping Magnitka achieving a hard-fought 3:2 home victory over the league’s leader. After resting in Metallurg’s 4:5, OT loss to Vityaz, Pasquale returned backstopping the team in its road game in Novosibirsk, allowing only one goal as Metallurg returned home with a 4:1 win. Pasquale had 29 saves Sunday night. As the playoff approach, Metallurg needs Pasquale to perform at his best.
Slovakia
F, Kunlun Red Star, 3 G, 4 (2+2) points, +1
Last week, the Dragons have lost any playoff hope, but this doesn’t mean that the team stopped playing. One of the best for Kunlun this season was Tomas Jurco. The Slovakian flamboyant winger scored points in all his game last week, totaling four points in just three encounters. In particular, he had two assists in Kunlun’s OT defeat to Salavat Yulaev (2:3 OT), and a goal each in the games against Severstal (3:2) and HC Sochi (2:7). Jurco, 31, has his contract running out soon and he may have many teams going after him in the offseason. The current campaign is the second in the KHL for the forward, who lined up for Barys last year.
