Avangard’s return to wins, and Press’ strong production. Week 14 top imports
Spooner and Boucher create havoc, while Robin Press returned to start-of-season scoring pace. Goalie Patrik Rybar returns to Spartak’s crease. KHL.ru presents the best players of each week.
Sweden
D, Metallurg, 3 G, 4 (1+3) points, +1
After a strong start to the season, the Swedish defenseman slowed down, yet he remains one of the top-scoring d-men in the league, being in the top 10 for scoring from the blue line. Last week, Press was very good for Magnitka, scoring points in all games and helping the team win two games from three. First, he netted his third goal of the season in Metallurg’s win over Torpedo on Tuesday (5:3). Two days later, Press had a couple of helpers when Magnitka shut out Lada (4:0). In the third clash of the week, Press posted an assist in Metallurg’s losing effort against Dynamo Moscow (2:3). All in all, it was a good week both for the Swedish blueliner and his team. Moreover, recently Press was called to the KHL World Team’s roster that will compete at the Channel One Cup in St. Petersburg.
Canada
F, Avangard, 2 G, 6 (2+4) points, +4
Another player who will be lining up for the KHL World Team is Canadian forward Ryan Spooner. The Avangard forward had a striking week, posting three points in each of the two games he played. Spooner started the week with one goal and two assists in Avangard’s win over HC Sochi (6:0). He made the same contribution, but in a much difficult game, when the Hawks defeated Avtomobilist (4:2). After opening the score after a mere two minutes on a man advantage, Spooner also had a couple of helpers, including participating in Reid Boucher’s game-winner – again in the first period. Spooner’s production will be needed for Avangard as the team is fighting hard to keep a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
US
F, Avangard, 2 G, 3 (3+0) points, +4
Side to side with Spooner was Reid Boucher. Last season’s top sniper isn’t getting the puck in the back of the net as the same pace as last year, yet last week he found some of his scoring touch back netting three tallies in two matches. After netting the first goal of the week in the Hawks’ large win over HC Sochi (6:0), Boucher was instrumental in Avangard Saturday’s win over Avtomobilist (4:2). The American forward potted a double, including the game-winning goal, recording his thirteenth and fourteenth goals in the current campaign. Boucher is currently the tenth goal scorer in the league, and he can improve as the Hawks found some consistency of late. After the pause, the team will be coached by former Stanley Cup champion Guy Boucher.
Slovakia
G, Spartak, 1 G, 95.00%, GAA 2.00
The Slovak goalie had finally a chance to prove himself, and while he only played one game for Spartak last week, he had a fantastic performance as the Red-and-Whites defeated Barys in Astana on Wednesday (4:2). The Spartak goalie, who also lined up for Dinamo Minsk in the KHL, stopped 38 shots out of 40 attempts by the Barys’ players, and helped the Muscovites securing their second straight victory after defeating Avtomobilist on Monday (5:4 SO). Rybar showed to be in good shape despite getting limited games, and his strong play can give Spartak more chances as the playoffs approach.
