Powerful start of Kuzmenko and duel between Buchnevich and Chinakhov

Almost a week remains before the start of the NHL regular season, but now Andrey Kuzmenko claims to be the most discussed Russian hockey player overseas.

Back in the summer, many were looking forward to his debut in the North American League, and during the preseason, the level of expectations only increased.

First, the former SKA striker scored an assist in the confrontation with Calgary, and then became the first star of the meeting with Seattle.

The Russian took part in all three goals of his team - by the 10th minute he scored a double, and then assisted Tanner Pearson.

And although this did not help Vancouver to get the better of the opponent (3:4), the striker himself received rave reviews from partners.

So, Canucks defender Quinn Hughes noted the skill and excellent throw of Kuzmenko, and also admired his technique and hockey flair.

According to him, the Russian definitely belongs to the “top echelon”, and his desire to compete and courage are a help.

And this was a pleasant addition to the recent comments of the team's mentor Bruce Boudreau, who compared his new ward with Alexander Ovechkin.

While the leader of Washington, along with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dmitry Orlov, continue to get in shape in training and are in no hurry to go on the ice as part of the preseason, other Russians are demonstrating their class.

Carolina forward Andrei Svechnikov broke out with a puck and a pass in the confrontation with Tampa (5: 1) and was recognized as the first star, and Pavel Buchnevich and Yegor Chinakhov staged a “shootout” in the meeting between St. Louis and Columbus.

The Blues striker scored two (1 + 1) points and thus organized a comeback (4:2), and his compatriot became the author of both goals in the opponent's line-up.

As a result, the first and third places, respectively, in the top 3 best players.

Injuries of Kaprizov and Mikheev

Managed to clearly prove himself and the best scorer of last season among the Russians.

Kirill Kaprizov showed his usual high class and helped the Minnesota get the better of the reigning Stanley Cup holder Colorado.

At the beginning of the second period, he forced young goalkeeper Justus Annunen to make a gross mistake, and then brought Kalen Addison to the throw.

The only thing that spoiled the mood was the fact that in the end the striker was injured and was forced to go to the locker room earlier than expected.

And although at first the Wild mentor Dean Evason called the injury to his leader frivolous, he no longer played with Dallas.

According to the coach, the return is planned no earlier than in the home confrontation with Chicago.

In addition to Kaprizov, the preseason did not start in the most successful way for Ilya Mikheev.

Teammate Kuzmenko also appeared in the squad for the match with Calgary, but played only seven and a half minutes, after which he was forced to go to the subtribune.

In the first period, the former Toronto striker fell under a tough power reception performed by Nicholas Melosh.

According to Boudreau, the recovery could take about a week, which reduces his chances of performing at the start of the season.

More optimistic forecasts regarding the return to service of Alexander Barabanov.

Due to an injury, the San Jose striker was unable to participate in the meeting with Los Angeles, but is already on the mend with might and main.

The Russian can return to duty any day.

Bright debut of Soshnikov and charge of Marchenko

At the same time, the injuries of some hockey players are a good chance for others to prove themselves and prove their professional suitability to the coach.

In particular, this applies to the debutants of the league, who are only making their first attempts to gain a foothold in the NHL teams.

For example, Sharks forward Danil Gushchin, who quite successfully closed Barabanov's position.

The Dynamo pupil chalked up a goal and an assist, and thus participated in the victory over Anaheim (5:4).

In turn, in the absence of Kaprizov, Vladislav Firstov performed successfully, whose goal allowed the Wild to defeat the Avalanche - 5: 2.

For St. Louis, forward Nikita Alexandrov also managed to distinguish himself, but Columbus player Kirill Marchenko is more impressive than others.

The silver medalist of the 2020 World Youth Championship started right off the bat and scored points in two pre-season meetings in a row, and in the match against Buffalo he became the third star.

All thanks to the puck in the majority, which later turned out to be victorious - 4:1. 

After a three-year absence, Nikita Soshnikov returned to the league quite successfully.

Previously, the striker defended the colors of Toronto and St. Louis, but did not please with high performance in any of the teams.

In 87 matches, he "shot" only 16 (8 + 8) points and was forced to return to the Continental Hockey League (KHL), where he played with varying success for Salavat Yulaev, CSKA and Avangard.

His desire to try overseas again became known back in May, but the agreement with the New York Islanders was signed only two weeks before the start of the regular season.

Nevertheless, the Russian immediately began to demonstrate his incredible attitude and gave up in the very first pre-season meeting.

True, the partners did not support and could not contain the New Jersey attack, having conceded four goals in a row.

Mastered in North America and Yaroslav Askarov.

One of the most stellar young goaltenders in the world has already got a chance to prove himself in the Nashville squad and has not lost his face.

In the second period of the match with Florida, he replaced Kevin Lankinen and repelled all 12 shots on his own net.