Murphy’s production and Gross’ streak. Week 9 top imports
Murphy increases his production, Gross makes the difference for Traktor and Gernat keeps on his fantastic play this season. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Canada
D, SKA, 5 (3+2) points, +1
For the seventh time in his career, SKA’s Trevor Murphy was named Best Defenseman after posting five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in three games last week. The St. Petersburg blueliner scored game-winners against the Shanghai Dragons (3:2 OT) and Dynamo Moscow (3:2), while also adding two hits, two blocked shots, one interception, and a takeaway. Earlier in the week, Murphy was left scoreless in the first encounter between SKA and Dynamo, won by the Muscovites (2:1).
US
D, Traktor, 2 G, 5 (3+2) points, +3
One of the best signings in the offseason for the Chelyabinsk club, Gross had a strong week with two consecutive multi-point performances. First, he posted three points in Traktor’s losing effort to Neftekhimik on Wednesday (3:4), with a goal and two assists. Then, on Sunday, he contributed two goals to the Black-and-Whites win in Vladivostok, putting his signature in the second and third goals of the team, thus netting the game-winner. With Traktor willing to improve its record and positioning in the league’s table, expect Gross to have an even bigger role as the season goes on.
Slovakia
D, Lokomotiv, 2 G, 2 (0+2) points, +5
The towering defenseman is having another strong season in Yaroslavl, and last week he helped the Railwaymen celebrate twice in two games, against Spartak (5:2) and Ak Bars (3:1), respectively. Gernat had a strong showing in Lokomotiv’s win over Spartak on Thursday, posting two assists and a plus-3 differential. On Saturday, Gernat was left scoreless as Lokomotiv defeated Ak Bars, but he had a solid plus-2 rating and logged almost twenty-two minutes of time on ice, also recording three shots on goal. The Slovak blueliner is getting more and more important in Lokomotiv’s game.
Netherlands
F, CSKA, 3 G, 4 (1+3) points, +1
It has been another strong week for the CSKA forward, who has now 26 points in 23 games and is one of the top scorers in the league. Last week, Sprong had a quiet start with CSKA suffering a shutout loss in Minsk on Monday. However, the forward recorded an assist three days later, but that wasn’t enough to guarantee the Muscovites a return to victory in a home game against Torpedo (1:2). However, on Saturday, Sprong showed his worth, posting a goal and two assists in CSKA’s home win over Sibir (4:0). With CSKA pushing for better positioning, Sprong’s role is destined to grow.
