Traktor’s success and Ruzicka’s return to production. Week 12 top imports
Traktor scored fifteen goals in two games with its imports taking center stage, while Adam Ruzicka helped Spartak fight for Western top four. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
US
D, Traktor, 2 G, 3 (1+2) points, +7
The American defenseman had a striking week, showcasing strong offensive abilities and ending the week with a league-leading plus-7 differential. More known for his defensive prowess, Day scored points in both games, dishing out an assist in Traktor’s 9:0 thumping of the Shanghai Dragons on Wednesday and scoring a goal and an assist as the Black-and-Whites defeated HC Sochi at home (6:1). Moreover, he accumulated a plus-4 and plus-3 differential, respectively, in the two matches. Traktor is currently in sixth place in the East, but has a chance to overcome Neftkehimik with the two teams tied at 35 points. Day’s experience and solid play will be key for the Chelyabinsk franchise.
Canada
F, Traktor, 2 G, 6 (3+3) points, +4
With Traktor scoring fifteen goals in two games, Leivo also took part in the scoring fest, netting three goals and adding as many helpers in the Black-and-Whites’ wins last week. Other than leading Traktor in points, Leivo only trails Metallurg’s Vladimir Tkachyov in the scoring race league-wide, and is fifth in goal scoring and third in assists. The Canadian forward is having another extremely strong season, and is expected to be called in an even bigger role as the season goes on for the Chelyabinsk franchise.
Slovakia
F, Spartak, 3 G, 4 (3+1) points, +1
Spartak has been very good lately, with three straight victories. In particular, Adam Ruzicka has been instrumental for the Red-and-Whites’ success. After being held scoreless in Spartak’s tight win over Ak Bars (1:0) on Tuesday, the Slovak forward had perhaps his strongest performance this season when he tallied a double – including the game-winning goal – in Spartak’s 3:1 home win over Avtomobilist on Thursday. Ruzicka also added an assist in that game, further highlighting his importance for the Red-and-Whites. On Saturday, Ruzicka netted his eleventh goal of the season when Spartak defeated Lada, again on home ice (5:4). The Muscovites are now the sixth seed in the West, and they will need Ruzicka’s production to try breaking into the conference’s top four.
Czechia
D, Admiral, 2 G, 1 (1+0) point, -2
It wasn’t Sulak’s best week this time around, but the Czech defenseman had an important goal for the Sailors on Wednesday, when Admiral defeated Amur in the Far East derby – a crucial game for playoff qualifications in the Eastern Conference. It was Sulak’s fourth goal of the season, and Admiral is keeping on going with its playoff push in a very tight East table. Sulak’s 200-foot play will be critical for the Far East franchise.
