Here`s a recap of the most significant events and news from the Kontinental Hockey League on a busy day of action, highlighting key game results, contract signings, and player milestones.
Maxim Dorozhko`s Impressive Shutout
CSKA is showing slow but noticeable signs of improvement in their performance. After three consecutive games where they conceded five goals each, and a subsequent match with four goals against, the Army men allowed *only two goals* yesterday. However, they failed to score a single goal in response, a situation resulting not only from their own offensive struggles but also from the outstanding play of goaltender Maxim Dorozhko. He flawlessly stopped all 28 shots he faced, earning his second shutout of the current season. Notably, this also marks CSKA`s second game without a goal scored this season.
Joshua Leivo`s Unusual Empty-Net Double
Avangard`s impressive winning streak came to an end in Chelyabinsk, where they suffered a rather significant defeat at the hands of Traktor. Interestingly, two of the five goals scored by the home team were into an empty Avangard net, both impressively tallied by Joshua Leivo, contributing to Traktor`s decisive victory.
Alexander Khmelevsky Signs with Ak Bars; Salavat Yulaev Boosts Roster
The brief yet widely discussed transfer saga involving Alexander Khmelevsky has finally concluded: he has officially signed a two-year contract with Ak Bars. Although Khmelevsky hasn`t yet had the chance to step onto the ice for his new team, the Kazan club managed to secure a hard-fought victory in Astana even without him. Meanwhile, their rivals Salavat Yulaev are actively working to strengthen their roster, having invited Anton Berlyov and Alexander Khokhlachev on try-out contracts to bolster their squad.
Player Streaks and Significant Milestones
The day was also marked by several notable individual achievements and records:
- The victory over Barys marked Anvar Gatiyatulin`s 250th win as a head coach, a significant milestone in his career.
- Kirill Dolzhenkov played his 100th KHL game, while Nikita Serebryakov reached his 300th career KHL appearance, though both their respective matches unfortunately ended in defeat for their teams.
- Semyon Der-Arguchintsev hit the impressive 100-point mark in the KHL, showcasing his offensive prowess.
- Grigory Dronov recorded his 100th career assist, highlighting his playmaking abilities.
- Alexander Barabanov extended his scoring streak, tallying points in his fourth consecutive game, demonstrating consistent offensive contribution.
Neville Woodall