Swedish Borås goalkeeper Konstantin Barulin, who previously wore the jersey for the Russian national team, shared a candid assessment of the best goaltenders from the regular season of the Continental Hockey League (KHL). He spoke with a focus on the narrative of the season, highlighting performances that stood out and left a lasting impression on fans and analysts alike.
Barulin singled out Timur Bilyalov from Ak Bars Kazan as a standout figure. While many observers emphasize his technical skills, Barulin argues that Bilyalov demonstrates through his on-ice decisions and consistency that he is among the elite netminders in the KHL this season. He also drew attention to Vladislav Podyapolsky of Lada, praising how the young keeper influenced Togliatti’s success. According to Barulin, Podyapolsky’s steady presence helped the team win a number of pivotal games and secure a playoff berth in the pursuit of the Gagarin Cup, underscoring the impact a reliable goalie can have on a team’s trajectory.
In a separate reflection, Barulin highlighted the Ufa duo of Alexander Samonov and Ilya Yezhov as a compelling combination. He observed that Yezhov carries himself with composure when stepping in for Samonov, seizing every opportunity on the ice and delivering performances that keep the team competitive in demanding moments. The dynamic between the veteran presence and the rising talent in Ufa Yulaev has drawn praise for how it balances experience with fresh energy in net.
Looking at the season-long numbers, Ak Bars Kazan’s Timur Bilyalov appeared in 46 regular-season games and posted seven shutouts, a mark that underscores his ability to steal games and keep opponents frustrated. In contrast, Vladislav Podyapolsky of Togliatti Lada also took part in 46 games, achieving six shutouts, a testament to his consistency at preventing goals across the majority of the schedule. Alexander Samonov, representing Ufa Salavat Yulaev, appeared in 47 games and managed to keep a clean slate in six appearances, reflecting his reliability during critical stretches. Ilya Yezhov’s performances were noted for calm, confident goaltending, remaining unbeaten in two of the 20 games he played when called upon for duty.
The discussion also touched on the broader context of goaltending within the league, recognizing how the combination of skill, preparation, and stress management shapes the outcomes of tight games. Barulin’s observations reflect a trend in which younger netminders are stepping up to shoulder heavy workloads, while veteran guardians continue to provide stability in high-pressure playoff races. The season’s narrative suggests a balance between individual excellence and team dynamics, where a goaltender’s ability to read attackers and track the puck translates into crucial wins and momentum shifts during the late stages of the schedule.
There was also a broader sense of evolution in goaltending technique and preparation, as teams increasingly emphasize video analysis, targeted recovery protocols, and specialized drills that sharpen reflexes and decision-making at game speed. Barulin’s comments echo a growing recognition that modern hockey depends just as much on the goalie’s mental approach as on the physical skills that keep pucks out of the net. The season’s performances from Bilyalov, Podyapolsky, Samonov, and Yezhov illustrate how different paths to success—one based on precise positioning and quick reactions, the other on steady consistency and timely anticipation—can converge to exceptional results for a franchise’s playoff aspirations.
In sum, the season painted a portrait of goaltending excellence across the KHL, with Barulin offering a seasoned observer’s lens on the individuals who shaped the race for the playoffs. Each goalie contributed in unique ways, demonstrating that the netminder’s role is as pivotal as ever in the modern game and that the best performances often come from a blend of talent, preparation, and composure when the pressure is at its peak and the stakes are highest.