Gross’ dominance on the blue line and Froese’s growth. Week 26 top imports
Jordan Gross is key for Dinamo Minsk, while Lokomotiv gets help from its international skaters. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
US
D, Dinamo Minsk, 3 G, 4 (1+3) points, +1
One of Dinamo Minsk’s secrets this season is the strong play of its North American defensemen, in particular Jordan Gross this week. The American blueliner, in his first season in our League, had a striking week – just like all the Bison team. Gross started the week assisting Xavier Ouellet’s goal in Dinamo Minsk’s 6:2 home win over Kunlun Red Star. He then posted a goal and a helper in the Bison’s win over Lada on Wednesday, opening the score after eight minutes in the first period and assisting Vadim Moroz’s game-winner in the middle frame. Gross added a further assist when Dinamo Minsk defeated Kunlun Red Star again on Sunday. The Minsk side achieved a nine-game winning streak, and the playoffs are getting closer and closer, with the team in excellent shape.
Sweden
D, Metallurg, 2 G, 3 (1+2) points, +2
With the postseason approaching, Press elevated his game and had three points in just two games last week. Metallurg didn’t face the strongest opposition, with games against HC Sochi and Lada, yet the Togliatti side gave an excellent battle to Magnitka, with the team achieving a win only in extra time. The Swedish defenseman netted the only Metallurg’s regulation goal before Nikita Mikhailis netted the game-winning shootout. Three days later, Press posted a couple of helpers in Magnitka’s 3:0 win in Sochi. Press’ production will be key in the playoffs, as it was last year.
Canada
F, Lokomotiv, 2 G, 4 (3+1) points, +4
After a slow start, Froese has established himself as a key player fort he Railwaymen and is currently on an eight-game scoring streak, with points coming in nine of his last ten matches. Last week, the Canadian forward scored points in both games, with a strong three-point performance as Lokomotiv downed Severstal 5:0 at home on Tuesday. Froese potted a double – his second in the KHL – including the game-winning goal as Lokomotiv opened the score after just seven minutes. He then potted his fifteenth of the season in the Railwaymen’s losing effort against Dynamo Moscow on Friday (3:5). The Canadian forward’s production will be even more important in the elimination stage.
Slovakia
F, Lokomotiv, 2 G, 2 (1+1) points, +2
Another player who was off to a slow start is Richard Panik, who has now improved his production and had a strong showing – just like Froese – in Lokomotiv’s home win over Severstal (5:0). That night, the Slovakian forward netted his fourth goal of the season in the middle frame, and assisted Byron Froese’s tally in the third period. Those made Panik’s eighth and ninth point with the Railwaymen – probably many were expecting more, but the Slovak forward will be able to provide some much-needed secondary scoring in the upcoming playoff battles.
