Gernat and Rodewald lead the charge. Week 9 top imports
With standout performances from Martin Gernat, Jack Rodewald, and Brooks Macek, these imports made waves in Week 9. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Slovakia
D, Lokomotiv, 3 G, 5 (1+4) points, +5
The Slovak defenseman had another big week with Lokomotiv, helping the Yaroslavl side reaching three straight wins to stay on the top of the league’s standings. Gernat started the week with an assist in the Railwaymen’s win over SKA on Wednesday (3:2), then added in a goal in Lokomotiv’s victory in Kazan two days later (3:2 SO). On Sunday, Lokomotiv visited Chelyabinsk, and the struggle between the top teams in the league was a nice clash, with the Yaroslavl side ending up as the winner. Gernat posted a hat-trick of assists, including the helper for Alexander Radulov’s game-winning goal in the closing frame. He also posted a league-leading plus-5 rating across the week. The Slovak blueliner is a key member of Lokomotiv and one of its alternate captains, and his importance to the team is going to grew even bigger as the season advances. Thanks to his efforts, Gernat was awarded the Best defenseman of the week for the fourth time in his career.
Canada
F, Admiral, 3 G, 5 (3+2) points, +4
The Canadian forward had a striking week with Admiral, helping the Sailors reaching two wins in three games and posting five points. After being held scoreless in Admiral’s losing effort to Salavat Yulaev on Tuesday (1:2), Rodewald went on helping Admiral winning two straight games with two consecutive multi-point performances. First, he had a goal and an assist as the Sailors defeated Ufa in the revenge match on Thusday. Then, on Saturday, Rodewald potted a double and added a helper in Admiral’s huge 5:0 win over Amur in the Far East Derby. Both goals were game-winners for his team. In his third season in the league, Rodewald may have found his place in the Admiral’s lineup, and his scoring ability and strong playing on the dots may be key for the Sailors to qualify for the postseason.
United States
D, Kunlun Red Star, 2 G, 2 (1+1) points, +2
The American defenseman had a nice showing with the Dragons last week. On Tuesday, he helped Kunlun Red Star shut out Barys in Astana, assisting Rourke Chartier’s opening – and game-winning – goal in the middle frame. He was also on the ice when Doyle Somerby hit the Astana’s crease with an empty netter in the closing stages of the game. Three days later, Kunlun Red Star moved to Cherepovets, where the Dragons suffered from a 2:7 loss. However, McCoshen that night opened his goal scoring account in the KHL, with a tally in the third stanza. The American blueliner’s confident play of late may help the Dragons as Kunlun Red Star tries to close the gap to the playoff spots.
Germany/Canada
F, Avtomobilist, 2 G, 3 (3+0) points, +4
The German international played well last week for Avtomobilist as he found his groove back after two consecutive games without points. In Monday’s critical win for the Motormen against Traktor, Macek netted a double. In the third period, he was the fastest to get to the puck after a blue-line shot by Kirill Vorobyov as he netted the game-winner for Avtomobilist, who got away with a 5:4 win over the Conference’s leaders. On Friday, the Motormen had another win, this time over Neftekhimik (3:2). Once again, Macek potted the decisive goal with a nice shot from the left circle, minutes after the Wolves tied the game at two in the closing frame. Macek is having a strong season, and his game and points will be central to Avtomobilist’s success in the regular season and the playoffs.
