Lifting the cup. Gagarin Cup top imports
CSKA featured three imports in its squad, and either of them had a significant contribute to the team’s ultimate success. It was the first Gagarin Cup triumph for Adam Reideborn and Fredrik Claesson, and the second for Darren Dietz. KHL.ru presents the best players from the championship team.
Sweden
G, 7 G, 4 W, 1 SO, 92.44, 1.87 GAA
The Swedish goaltender was an exceptional force during the entire postseason, and in the climactic grand finals, he truly shone, propelling CSKA to its second consecutive championship. Reideborn’s performance was nothing short of exceptional for the Muscovites, playing in all seven games of the series and even managing a shutout in game two, after CSKA had lost the first encounter 1:4. After securing his first victory in the series, Reideborn never allowed more than two goals, culminating in a series-high of 34 saves in game three at home, a victory for CSKA.
Canada/Kazakhstan
D, 7 G, 2 (1+1) points, +1
Despite registering only two points in the series, Darren Dietz played a vital role in CSKA’s championship run. His contribution was exemplified by his game-winning goal in the seventh and final game of the series. Midway through the second period, Dietz received a pass from Konstantin Okulov and unleashed a one-timer from the blue line that found the back of the net, securing the cup for his team. Dietz’s defensive prowess was also on full display, as he posted a plus-two differential in the pivotal game, solidifying his position as one of the top defensemen in the league.
In addition to his title-winning heroics, Dietz had an assist in the series opener and was named the best blueliner of the Gagarin Cup finals.
Sweden
7 G, 1 (0+1) points, +1
The Swedish powerhouse on the defense was excellent in the Gagarin Cup finals, delivering a masterclass in physicality and defensive prowess that helped CSKA raise the coveted cup. With his commanding presence in the own zone, Claesson left little room for the opposition, earning himself no negative ratings throughout the series. But his contributions didn’t end there. In the all-important fourth game, he pulled off a game-changing assist, setting up Vladislav Kamenev for his tenth postseason goal and securing a 2:1 victory for his team.
With his reliable stay-at-home style, Claesson perfectly complemented CSKA's defensive strategy, making them an even tighter unit. His debut season in the league could not have been any better, as he celebrated a well-deserved triumph and etched his name in Gagarin Cup history.
