Gernat stands firm, Jaskin delivers, Todd provides the spark. Semifinals top imports
Gernat’s defensive reliability in decisive moments, Todd’s timely scoring presence and Jaskin’s consistent all-situations impact all proved decisive in their teams’ passage through the semifinals. KHL.ru presents the best players from each country.
Slovakia
D, Lokomotiv, 7 G, 1 (0+1) points, +4
The Slovak defenseman once again – just like last year – proved why he remains such an important piece in Lokomotiv’s playoff machine. While Martin Gernat didn’t contribute much offensively in the semifinal series against Avangard, his reliability in decisive moments stood out throughout the matchup. He collected an assist in the dramatic Game Seven victory, helping the Railwaymen complete the comeback after two overtime periods, and finished the series with a solid plus-4 differential. Gernat was particularly valuable in Lokomotiv’s three consecutive wins to close out the series. He posted a plus-1 in the shutout victory in Game Five, followed it up with a plus-2 performance in the overtime road win in Omsk, and added another positive outing in the deciding game while skating nearly 28 minutes. Calm under pressure and capable of handling heavy defensive minutes, the Slovak blueliner continues to be one of Lokomotiv’s most dependable players heading into the Gagarin Cup finals against Ak Bars.
US
D, Ak Bars, 5 G, 5 (0+5) points, 3+
Mitchell Miller continued his excellent postseason with another strong series for Ak Bars against regular-season champions Metallurg. The American defenseman recorded five assists in five games and played a key role in the Kazan side’s transition game. His best outing came in Game One on the road, when he collected a hat-trick of assists in a convincing 5:2 victory that immediately gave Ak Bars control of the series. Miller remained heavily involved throughout the matchup, averaging over 22 minutes per game and finishing the semifinals with a plus-4 differential. He registered points in three separate games, including an assist in the crucial Game Three win in Kazan, and ended the series with another strong defensive performance in the overtime clincher in Magnitogorsk. Just ahead of the Gagarin Cup finals, he was awarded Best defenseman honors for the semifinals round.
Canada
F, Ak Bars, 5 G, 3 (2+1) points, +3
Nathan Todd delivered another productive playoff series against Metallurg. The Canadian forward recorded three points in the matchup, including a goal and an assist in the opening road victory that immediately shifted momentum toward the Kazan side. The 29-year-old added another goal in Game Four, helping Ak Bars move within one victory of the finals, and remained a steady presence throughout the series despite relatively limited ice time. Todd consistently brought energy and pace to the forward group, finishing with a positive differential while contributing in key moments offensively.
Czechia/Russia
F, Ak Bars, 5 G, 4 (3+1) points, +2
The large forward was one of Ak Bars’ most consistent contributors in their five-game semifinal win over Metallurg, finishing with four points and impact across every match of the series. He remained active in all situations, before sealing the series with another goal in the overtime clincher in Magnitogorsk. Beyond the scoring, his reliability stood out in the details: a plus-2 in Game Four, strong puck support, and steady minutes in the 15–17 range throughout the series. He helped Ak Bars maintain structure and tempo in tight playoff hockey.
