Joseph Duszak’s return and Trevor Murphy’s production. Week 3 top imports
North American defensemen further cement their role with their teams, while Libor Sulak posts an impressive +/- rating. KHL.ru presents the best defensemen from each country.
Canada
D, Sibir, 3 G, 5 (2+3) points, +2
Trevor Murphy (Sibir) was named the Best Defenseman of the week for the fifth time in his career after an impressive performance over three games, during which he tallied 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists). In addition to his offensive contributions, Murphy showcased his defensive prowess, finishing the week with a plus-2 rating and no negative ratings across all games. He also blocked five shots, recorded one takeaway, and made two key pass interceptions. Notably, Murphy had two multipoint games during the week, against Neftekhimik (5:2), and Spartak (3:1). This marks the fifth time the defenseman has earned the Best Defenseman honors, with four of those coming while playing for Sibir and one during his time with Kunlun Red Star. Murphy’s production is a key reason for Sibir’s success in the early season.
Czechia
D, Admiral, 3 G, 3 (2+1) points, +8
Sulak has always been a key player for the Sailors, and this season is no exception. Last week, the Czech blueliner posted three points with two goals and an assist, and an impressive, league-leading plus-8 rating. Sulak, at his fourth season in Vladivostok, potted a double in Admiral’s large 7:1 win over Kunlun Red Star on Tuesday. That night, Sulak posted an incredible plus-6 rating. After going scoreless in Admiral’s home win over Dynamo Moscow on Friday (4:1), Sulak had a helper when the Sailors defeated CSKA on Sunday (3:2). He also had a plus-2 differential for the night. Admiral is currently having a nice start, and Sulak’s production and play will play a significant role in the Sailors’ success throughout the season.
Slovakia
F, Severstal, 2 G, 3 (0+3) points, -1
The Slovakian forward, at his sixth season with Severstal, had a good start with the Steelers, who are currently the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Last week, Liska impressed with a hat-trick of assists in Severstal’s 5:4 home win over Torpedo on Wednesday. That was his only game last week where he posted points, as he had a minus-2 rating in Severstal’s loss to Dinamo Minsk three days later. However, Liska’s performance in the victory against Torpedo was a remarkable one, as Severstal’s captain also had eight shots on goal and a plus-1 differential.
USA
D, Severstal, 2 G (1+1) points, -1
Liska’s teammate Joseph Duszak has just recently joined the Steelers, with his debut going only on Wednesday in Severstal’s win over Torpedo. And in his debut game, Duszak had a striking performance, with one goal and one assist, helping the Steelers achieve an important win over Torpedo. The American defenseman assisted on Danil Aimurzin’s tally in the second period, and scored the 4:2 goal on a powerplay opportunity for Severstal, with assists coming from Liska and Kirill Pilipenko. As the season goes on, expect Duszak’s role within the team to increase.
