Ak Bars concluded the KHL 3×3 regular season as the dominant leader, securing the top spot in the standings. The team not only finished first but also set a record by winning the Supergame eight times, more than any other participant.
The Kazan team finished the regular season at the top of the table, outpacing second-place Metallurg by a significant 21 points. Ak Bars achieved the most wins in the championship, with 56 victories in 72 matches, and also boasted the tightest defense, allowing the fewest goals (215). Their performance was consistently high throughout the season, starting with a Supergame victory in the second round. This strong start set the tone, leading to a total of eight Supergame wins, a record unmatched by any other team.
Furthermore, Ak Bars established a new season record with an impressive 16-game winning streak. This remarkable run was eventually halted by Avangard in the 23rd round, who secured a narrow 3-2 victory. Notably, towards the end of the regular championship, Ak Bars successfully integrated players from their main roster into the KHL 3×3 team, including Dmitry Katelevsky and Artemy Knyazev.
From a statistical standpoint, Ak Bars stood out as the best team in terms of shutouts, recording six instances where they kept opponents scoreless. They also suffered the fewest regulation losses, with just 12 defeats, which is half the number recorded by second-placed Metallurg. While ranking second in goals scored with 351, behind Metallurg`s 366, their overall defensive solidity and win record underscored their leading position.
Coach
Daniil Nasybullin, a native of Kazan hockey and a former defenseman, leads the team. Although he didn`t play for Ak Bars in the KHL, having appeared for Avtomobilist and Neftekhimik, his most successful playing period was with Neftyanik in the VHL, where he won a full set of medals. Interestingly, Nasybullin coached the Ak Bars team that won bronze at the 2024 “Games of the Future” phygital tournament, and a significant portion of the KHL 3×3 team`s core roster consists of players from that same tournament squad.
Best Players
Yuri Muravyov
72 games, 102 (64+38) points
Muravyov is the only Ak Bars player to surpass the 100-point mark in the KHL 3×3 Championship. He leads the team in both goals and points and ranks third overall in the championship for plus/minus rating (+63). Beyond his scoring prowess, Muravyov is also effective in defensive tasks, ranking first on the team for faceoffs won, takeaways, and interceptions.
Dmitry Drozhzhin
72 games, 87 (53+34) points
Another foundational player for Ak Bars` gameplay. Throughout the season, Drozhzhin frequently scored crucial goals, including a hat-trick, and alongside Muravyov, was instrumental in leading the team. He also boasts a strong plus/minus rating (+55) and demonstrates dedication in his own zone, with 65 blocked shots, the highest on the team.
Alexander Lazushin
32 games, 26 wins, 84.4% SV%, 2.48 GAA
Lazushin`s extensive KHL career experience has made him one of the top goaltenders in the 3×3 Championship. He holds the best goals-against average (GAA) in the tournament and ranks fourth in save percentage (SV%). Additionally, Lazushin recorded two shutouts and impressively contributed six assists, showcasing his puck-handling ability.
Gareth Tenby