Kaldis’ goals and Keane’s assists. Week 7 top imports
From Kaldis’ goals to Keane’s fine playmaking skills, the seventh week has been interesting for import players across the league. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Canada
D, Severstal
3 G, 4 (2+2) points, +3
The Cherepovets import blueliner is having a strong third season in the league so far, and last week he was particularly outstanding, earning the best defenseman award for the second time in his career after posting four points in three games, with a plus-3 differential. In particular, he was excellent in Thursday’s 4:3 OT win over Avangard, where he potted a double, including the game-winner in extra time after a nice give-and-go play with Mikhail Ilyin. Kaldis is now among the top scorers from the blue line in the league.
US
D, Spartak
3 G, 6 (0+6) points, -2
Last week, Keane showcased fantastic playmaking skills, finding his teammates with ease and regularly ending on the scoresheet. In Spartak’s 5:3 win over HC Sochi on Sunday, the Chicago, Illinois native had a striking performance with four assists – it was his first four-point performance in the KHL. Earlier, he was left out of the scoresheet as the Red-and-Whites suffered a heavy 0:5 defeat by Dynamo Moscow on Thursday, but had a pair of assists in Spartak’s win over the Shanghai Dragons on Tuesday (7:6 SO). Keane is currently trailing only Damir Sharipzyanov in defensemen scoring, and Spartak will need his strong play as the season goes on. He also logged more than twenty-two minutes a night last week and is among the most iced players league-wide.
Netherlands
F, CSKA
3 G, 4 (3+1) points, +1
After missing a couple of games, Sprong returned to CSKA’s lineup and did so in style, with two consecutive two-point performances. He first netted a double as CSKA collected a strong-willed home win over Dinamo Minsk (5:3), scoring an interesting goal with both teams losing the puck out of sight – he was the only player on the ice to have full control over the play in that occasion, showing a strong understanding and reading of the game. He also had a goal and a helper when CSKA defeated SKA in St. Petersburg on Wednesday (4:3). Sprong was held scoreless in the Muscovites’ win over Amur on Sunday (2:1). With CSKA improving his game, expect Sprong to climb up in the scoring race in the upcoming weeks.
Slovakia
G, Shanghai Dragons
2 G, 92.86%, 2.48 GAA
The Shanghai Dragons lost some pace of late, with several losses, but the Slovak goalie is always giving the team a chance. On Friday, the Dragons lost to Dinamo Minsk after shootouts (1:2 SO), but Rybar posted an impressive 41 saves – his second performance this year after 44 stops against Admiral on Sept. 8. He added another 24 saves in the Dragons’ losing effort in Cherepovets on Sunday (1:4). With the season entering its third month, expect Rybar’s performance to have an even bigger influence on the Dragons’ results and standings.
