Kunlun Red Star’s streak and Press’ consistency. Week 18 top-imports
Spencer Foo’s top season, Rybar’s saves and Boucher’s high-percentage shooting. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Canada/China
Kunlun Red Star, F, 3 G, 6 (3+3) points, +6
For the first time in his career, he was named Best Forward of the Week. Foo tallied 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) in three games last week, boasting an impressive plus-6 rating. The red-hot Dragons, currently on a seven-game winning streak—three of which came last week—were fueled by Foo’s outstanding performance. He scored the game-winning goal against CSKA (3:0), registered a key pass interception, and recorded two takeaways, with the Dragons keeping on eye a playoff qualification.
Slovakia
Kunlun Red Star, G, 2 G, 2 W, 96.62%, GAA 0.96
The Slovak netminder, a teammate of standout forward Spencer Foo, played a pivotal role in the Dragons’ recent success. Last week, Rybar secured one win from two appearances, plus a shootout victory. Facing an average of 32.5 shots per game (65 total), he delivered excellent stats with a 96.62% save percentage and a goals-against average of 0.96. On Friday, in Kunlun’s 3:0 triumph over CSKA, Rybar recorded his first shutout with his new team, stopping 37 shots and further cementing his value in the Dragons’ lineup.
US
Avangard, F, 3 G, 4 (3+1) points, +1
The Avangard forward played very well last week, helping Avangard winning three straight matches last week. Boucher scored goals (and points) in each clash, starting with a tally in the Hawks’ win in Kazan on Monday (3:1). He netted another goal as Avangard had a hard-fought win in Cherepovets (6:5 SO) and had his best game against Salavat Yulaev. Back at home, the Ufa team scored two quick goals that sent the guests up 2:0 by the first period. Then, however, Avangard rallied back, winning the game 3:2. Boucher scored the first Hawks’ goal, and assisted Damir Sharipzyanov’s game-winner late into the third period. Avangard is currently the sixth seed in the East, and they will look into stretching their winning streak this week.
Sweden
Metallurg, 2 G, 3 (0+3) points, +2
A fixture in this column, the d-man is propelling a long winning streak by Metallurg. The Swedish blueliner had three assists in two games last week, with points coming against Admiral (4:3) and Traktor (5:3). In a game of high importance, the Southern Urals derby against the Chelyabinsk, side, Press posted two assists, getting to 26 helpers for the season – the best among all Metallurg skaters and good enough for top five in the league, trailing only Canada’s Trevor Murphy from Sibir among the blueliners. With the playoffs getting closer and closer, Press’ game is expected to further raise its level.
