De Angelo’s impact and Macek’s return. Week 6 top imports
Brooks Macek returns to strong production, while Anthony De Angelo keeps on racking up assists. KHL.ru presents the best player from each country.
United States
D, SKA, 3 G, 5 (0+5) points, even
The American blueliner, who will soon turn 29, is keeping on accumulating points for SKA. Last week, the New Jersey native helped the St. Petersburg side to win two games from three, starting with an assist in SKA Monday’s win over Lokomotiv (4:3). De Angelo then had a couple of helpers in SKA’s losing effort against Dinamo Minsk on Thursday (2:4). However, two days later, the St. Petersburg franchise returned to winning matches in a 5:2 victory over Avtomobilist. De Angelo had another couple of assists that night, including for Evgeny Kuznetsov’s opening tally just two minutes into the first period. SKA is currently the second seed in the Western Conference, and De Angelo has perfectly fit within the team’s schemes and is currently one of the top-scoring players in the squad.
Canada
D, Dinamo Minsk, 2 G, 2 (1+1) points, +4
The Canadian defenseman had an excellent week for the Bisons, helping Dinamo Minsk defeating SKA (4:2) and gaining one point in a SO loss to Severstal on Tuesday (2:3 SO). In Cherepovets, Meloche had an assist and a plus-1 differential in 20:21 of time on ice. As Dinamo Minsk returned home, the blueliner netted his second of the season against SKA. Meloche had a plus-3 rating that night, logging more than eighteen minutes on the ice. The Belarusian franchise is having a good season so far, and Meloche is an important part of the team’s defensive lineup. In his second year in the league, Quebecoise is showing an excellent level at both ends of the ice.
Germany/Canada
F, Avtomobilist, 3 G, 4 (2+2) points, even
The German international had a slow start of the season, but last week he shown glimpses of his best hockey. On Monday, Macek had an assist as the Motormen defeated Barys in Astana (4:3). Three days later, Avtomobilist moved to Moscow, where the team celebrated a SO win over CSKA. Macek potted a goal and assisted Anatoly Golyshev’s tying goal in the closing frame, then netted the game-winning shootout attempt. It was the third multipoint game for Macek this season. Then, on Saturday, Macek had a goal in the Motormen’s losing effort in St. Petersburg (2:5). Avtomobilist is currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and the franchise will be needing Macek’s production to replicate last year’s success.
Slovakia
F, Kunlun Red Star, 2 G, 3 (2+1) points, +2
In his fourth season in the league, Jurco continues to show an excellent production and strong performance. Last week, after posting no points in the Dragons’ loss to Lokomotiv on Wednesday (2:3), the Slovak forward had three points against Severstal, participating in all Kunlun’s goals potting a double and having an assist. Jurco opened the score after less than ninety second in the first period, then assisted Jayden Halbgewachs’ first KHL goal, then added a second tally in the closing frame, with Kunlun Red Star celebrating a 3:0 away win. Jurco is currently the Dragons’ top scorer, and his points will be needed to return to the playoff places.
Slovenia
F, Amur, 2 G, 2 (1+1) points, +1
The Tigers are having a rocky season, but Drozg had an excellent game last week against Neftekhimik — Amur lost the game, but picked up an important point for the standings in a SO loss in Nizhnekamsk (3:4 SO). With the Wolves up by three goals, Drozg was instrumental in getting Amur back on track. He first assisted Arnauld Durandeau’s second tally of the season, then tied things up at three with fewer than two minutes remaining in regulation time — it was the second of the season for Drozg as well. Amur is currently navigating outside of playoff contention, and the team will need its top players, including Drozg, to step up to get back into postseason places.
