Fucale’s saves and Boucher’s goals. Week 21 top imports
Fucale ties a club record, Jaskin dominates the offensive zone, and Boucher scores again before an injury. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Canada
G, 3 G, 2 W, 95.45%, GAA 1.03, 1 SO
Last week, Fucale showcased once again excellent performances, participating in three games and securing two victories. He faced a total of 66 shots, averaging 22 per game, and achieved a save percentage of 94.45%. A highlight of Fucale’s week was on Thursday when he recorded his eighth shutout of the season in 2:0 Traktor’s victory over Vityaz. This blank not only contributed significantly to Traktor’s win but also matched the KHL single-season shutout record previously set by Dominik Furch during the 2015-2016 season.
As the season progresses, Fucale’s contributions will undoubtedly continue to be a key factor in Traktor’s pursuit of its first Gagarin Cup.
Czechia/Russia
F, Ak Bars, 3 G, 5 (3+2) points, -1
The Ak Bars forward had a striking week and is returning to his normal production, with three straight games with points scored, and a three-point performance in Sunday’s Kazan win over Kunlun Red Star (6:3). Jaskin helped Ak Bars winning all three games in the week, scoring goals and points in each encounter, starting with a critical goal in the Green Derby’s win over Salavat Yulaev (4:3 OT). On Jan. 31, Jaskin was instrumental again for his team, scoring his 25th tally of the season with an empty netter in a 3:1 away win over Lada. Then, his strong performance against the Dragons. Jaskin’s game and imposing presence will be key for Ak Bars as the postseason approaches.
US
F, Avangard, 2 G, 2 (2+0) points, even
The American sniper managed to snatch a couple of goal in the week, despite falling to an injury that forced him out of the lineup – he’s still sitting in IL and is expected to return after the All-Star Game pause. Boucher potted a goal in Avangard’s 4:1 win on Monday and in Hawks’ losing effort to Salavat Yulaev on Wednesday (2:4). The forward’s injury was bad news for new head coach Guy Boucher, who has several players losing games due to different conditions, including Vladimir Tkachyov, Michael McLeod, and Nikolai Prokhorkin. However, they will most likely recover right on time for the last rush in the regular season before the playoff commences.
Slovakia
F, Spartak, 3 G, 3 (3+0) points, +1
The Slovakian is having a very strong first KHL season, confirmed by his performance last week. Ruzicka scored three goals in as many games, even Spartak only celebrated once in this span, with a strong 4:1 victory in the Moscow derby against CSKA, where he netted his first goal in the week. After being held out of the scoresheet in the Red-and-Whites’ losing effort against SKA (3:4 SO), Ruzicka returned with a double against Severstal, although Spartak lost again (6:8). Once again, the forward’s performance will be key in the last part of the regular season and the playoffs.
