Dominant performances and a helping hand. First round’s top imports
Dinamo Minsk celebrates the first won series in its KHL history with a significant contribution by its international players, with Salavat Yulaev also relying on imports, especially Sheldon Rempal. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Canada
F, Salavat Yulaev, 7 G, 10 (6+4) points, +4
The Calgary native was named Best Forward of the first round of the playoffs for the first time in his career as he played a key role in his team’s success against Sibir, recording 10 points (6 goals and 4 assists) over the seven-game series and finishing with a solid plus-4 rating. Beyond his offensive contributions, he was active all over the ice, registering three hits, blocking two shots, intercepting two passes, and tallying five takeaways. His standout performance came in Game 5, where he delivered a hat-trick and scored the decisive game-winning goal, which was a key feature for the Ufa franchise. He also made an assist in the seventh game.
US
D, Dinamo Minsk, 6 G, 2 (0+2) points, +7
The American defenseman wasn’t too active in the offensive zone with only two assists in the six-game series against CSKA, but posted an impressive plus-7 differential as only once did he leave the ice with a negative rating, in the third game of the series (1:4). Gross, a native of Minnesota, posted an assist and a plus-2 differential in the last two matches of the series, both won by Dinamo Minsk as the Belarusians broke into the second round for the first time in their history.
Czechia
D, Admiral, 6 G, 5 (2+3) points, +3
Once again, the Sailors were a tough client to deal with in the playoffs, with Admiral even taking the first game in Chelyabinsk with a 5:4 victory. That day, Sulak posted a hat-trick of assists, showing once again to be one of the finest offensive defensemen in the league, especially in his good days. After a scoreless performance in game two, won by Traktor, Sulak posted goals in two consecutive games, with Admiral and the Chelyabinsk side trading wins. Despite a plus-2 differential posted by Sulak, Traktor won a key fifth game, then wrapped up the series in the sixth encounter, with the Czech defenseman held scoreless. With that being said, Sulak had an impressive performance in the series, and was among the best players on the ice.
Slovakia
F, Spartak, 5 G, 4 (2+2) points, +3
The Slovak forward was instrumental in allowing the Red-and-Whites go through the first round against Severstal, and his contribution didn’t go unnoticed. Ruzicka scored points in the first two games of the series in Moscow, with an assist in the opening game and a goal in the next encounter, both won by Spartak. Then, in game four, with the Red-and-Whites up by three in the series, he participated in both goals in Spartak’s losing effort with two helpers – it was the lone Severstal win. Now, Spartak will take on Salavat Yulaev in the Gagarin Cup playoffs’ second round, and it will be interesting to see what Ruzicka will bring to the table.
