Showing consistency. Week 12 top imports
Lyle’s production, Ruzicka’s progress and Foo’s streak. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Canada
D, Dinamo Minsk, 3 G, 4 (2+2) points, +1
The Ontario native had a strong last week with Dinamo Minsk, finding both consistency and offensive production. It wasn’t the best week for the Bisons, who lost two games from three, but Lyle’s game was excellent as he was one of the best players for his team. Dinamo Minsk started the week with a nice win in Omsk, with a 5:2 score. Lyle didn’t get to the scoresheet that night, but had a plus-2 differential. Lyle’s production skyrocketed in the next two games. The 25-year-old blueliner posted two consecutive multipoint games in Dinamo Minsk’s losing efforts at home to Dynamo Moscow (3:4) and Avtomobilist (2:3), posting a goal and an assist in each contest. Lyle currently trails only American Jordan Gross for scoring from the blue line in his team, and his production and two-way play will be much valuable to the Bisons as the playoff struggle intensifies.
Slovakia
F, Spartak, 3 G, 4 (1+3) points, +6
Spartak had a striking week last time around, winning three straight games. Several players had points in all the contests, including Slovakian forward Adam Ruzicka. The 25-year-old player, who moved to Spartak this summer, also posted a strong, plus-6 differential. The Red-and-Whites collected wins over Admiral (6:1), Amur (7:3), and Vityaz (5:4). Ruzicka’s best game was against the Tigers, when he had one point and one assist for the night, with a plus-2 differential. In the other two games of the week, the Slovak added one helper each. His final plus-6 rating was one of the best in the league. With Spartak looking to keep a spot in the top four also in the second part of the regular season, Ruzicka’s production will be much needed for the Red-and-Whites.
Canada/China
F, Kunlun Red Star, 3 G, 4 (2+2) points, +4
The Dragons had an inspired week last term, with three straight wins, over Dinamo Minsk (3:0), Avtomobilist (2:1 SO), and Traktor (4:1), respectively. One of the top players in the team was forward Spencer Foo. The Edmonton native had points in all games, starting the week with an assist on Colin Campbell’s game-winner in the Dragon’s 3:0 home win against Dinamo Minsk. He then potted a goal in Kunlun Red Star’s win in Yekaterinburg (2:1 SO), and had one goal and one assist as the Dragons defeated Traktor on Saturday to complete a three-game winning streak (4:1). Foo, 30, is currently on a four-game scoring streak, and having some more consistency will help the Dragons getting closer to the playoff places.
France
F, Avtomobilist, 3 G, 3 (1+2) points, even
One of the longest-serving international players in the league, Da Costa keeps on grabbing points and help Avtomobilist as he did last week. The Frenchman scored points in all games, showcasing excellent consistency, despite the Motormen losing two games from three. First, he had an assist in Avtomobilist’s losing effort against Neftekhimik (1:3). On Thursday, Avtomobilist lost again, this time to Kunlun Red Star, but Da Costa netted the lone home goal of the night, posting a season-high 22:32 of time on ice. On Sunday, Avtomobilist returned to victory on the road in Minsk (3:2), and Da Costa recorded his 21st helper in the season – sharing the league lead with Sibir’s defenseman Trevor Murphy. With the team approaching the 30-game mark, Da Costa’s game will be more and more important for the Urals-based team.
