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Ufa imports on the top. Top imports
Leivo and Chmelevski produce strong numbers, Sklenicka propels Barys on the blue line. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Canada
F, Salavat Yulaev, 3 G, 8 (4+4) points, +3
The Canadian forward has been instrumental to Ufa’s success last week, helping Salavat Yulaev winning two games from three, against CSKA and HC Sochi. The Ufa forward potted the game winner in his team’s victory over the Muscovites on Monday (4:3 OT), a game where he scored a double and had a helper as he was probably the best player on the ice. Three days later, on Dec 28, Leivo posted a four-point performance with a goal and a hat-trick of assists as Salavat Yulaev defeated HC Sochi away. He also had a goal in Salavat Yulaev’s losing effort against Ak Bars in the Green Derby on Dec 30 (2:3). The Ufa franchise is currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference, and Leivo is a big part of this success for the team. For his effort, Leivo was awarded the Best forward honors last week.
Czechia
D, Barys, 2 G, 3 (2+1) points, +2
The Czech defenseman is having a strong season, despite Barys’ hard time in the Eastern Conference standings. Sklenicka, at his fourth season in the league, had a goal and an assist in Barys’ sensational win over Avangard Omsk on Dec 28, and is currently his teams’ second scorer, trailing only the Swedish international Pontus Aberg. Later in the week, Sklenicka had another goal as Barys defeated Traktor with another 5:1 victory. In both games of the week, Sklenicka logged more than twenty minutes and posted a plus-1 differential. The Czech defenseman is currently sixth league-wide in scoring from the blue line, and was awarded the Best defenseman honors last week.
Sweden
D, Metallurg, 3 G, 3 (0+3) points, +1
Another high-productive defenseman, Press helped Magnitka achieving two victories in 2023 last week. After being held scoreless in Metallurg’s losing effort against Lada on Dec 26, Press had a helper in Magnitka’s win in Kazan two days later, and two assists when Metallurg defeated Kunlun Red Star on Dec 30. Press is one of Metallurg’s top players this season, and his scoring abilities on the blue line are helping the team led by bench boss Andrei Razin staying on the top of the Eastern Conference’s standings.
United States
F, Salavat Yulaev, 3 G, 5 (1+4) points, +3
The forward had another productive week, playing alongside with Josh Leivo and Belarusian Ivan Drozdov. Chmelevski had two multi-point games when Salavat Yulaev defeated CSKA and HC Sochi – posting two helpers against the Muscovites and a goal and an assist in Salavat Yulaev’s win over HC Sochi. In the Green Derby against Ak Bars, Chmelevski – in his second season in Ufa – had an assist and a plus-2 differential despite his team recording a rare loss. Chmelevski is currently Ufa’s top scorer and the ninth overall scorer in the league.
