Nardella’s passes and Da Costa’s consistency. Week 19 top imports
Nardella helps Torpedo ranking up in the West, Nick Merkley is one of the few bright spots in the Shanghai Dragons’ difficult season. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
US
D, Torpedo, 3 G, 4 (0+4) points, +4
Torpedo’s defenseman Bobby Nardella enjoyed an excellent week, playing a key role in the team’s three-game winning run while contributing consistently from the blue line. He collected four assists over the stretch, opening with a helper in a 3:1 road win against Lokomotiv Yaroslavl before adding two assists and a plus-2 rating in a convincing 7:2 home victory over the Shanghai Dragons. Nardella closed the week with another assist and a plus-1 performance in a dominant 6:0 shutout of SKA, while averaging just under 18 minutes of ice time per game. His poise with the puck and ability to support the attack were instrumental as Torpedo continued to build momentum and reinforce their defensive structure, trying to climb up even further in the Western Conference’s standings.
Canada
F, Shanghai Dragons, 3 G, 3 (2+1) points, +1
The Shanghai Dragons had a tough week with three losses, but Nick Merkley was one of the few bright spots in the lineup. The Canadian forward recorded three points over the stretch, scoring goals against Spartak (1:3) and Dinamo Minsk (1:6) while adding an assist in the road loss to Torpedo (2:7). Merkley was particularly active in the offensive zone, firing 11 shots on goal across the three games, including six in over 21 minutes of ice time against Spartak. Despite limited support around him, Merkley continued to play with pace and confidence, remaining involved at both ends of the ice as Shanghai looked to regroup and halt their slide and gain back a chance for a postseason qualification.
France
F, Avtomobilist, 2 G, 3 (1+2) points, +4
Avtomobilist had a mixed week, but Stephane Da Costa made his presence felt in the team’s lone victory. The Frenchman delivered a standout performance in the 6:2 win over Salavat Yulaev, scoring a goal and adding two assists while posting an impressive plus-4 rating in just over 13 minutes of ice time. He was quieter in the extra time loss to Avangard, held off the scoresheet despite logging more than twenty minutes. Even so, Da Costa’s impact was clear, as his creativity and efficiency in the offensive zone once again underlined his importance to Avtomobilist’s attack as the playoffs approach.
