Stellar performances from Ruslan Abrosimov and Matvei Zaseda, each scoring two goals, were instrumental in their respective teams` successes in the latest KHL action.
Zaseda`s Double and Dorozhko`s 44 Saves Lead Amur to Second Consecutive Victory in Nizhnekamsk
Neftekhimik and Amur faced off for the second time in a row in Nizhnekamsk. Following a 1-2 defeat, which marked their third consecutive loss, Neftekhimik`s head coach Igor Grishin made two lineup changes, replacing Ilya Pastukhov and Timur Khayrullin with Artyom Chmykhov and Nikita Khlystov.
Amur, playing its fifth road game, saw head coach Alexander Galchenyuk make expected roster adjustments. Kirill Urakov, Yevgeny Grachyov, and Alexander Filatyev were featured in the fourth line, while Maxim Dorozhko returned to start in goal.
The start of the game mirrored their previous encounter, where Neftekhimik quickly scored but failed to maintain their lead. This time, despite leading in shots on goal 7-0 by the seventh minute, Nizhnekamsk couldn`t find the net.
Amur capitalized by earning a power play, and then, at even strength, they broke the deadlock. Matvei Zaseda, who also scored two days prior, darted from behind a defender and redirected Viktor Baldayev`s pass into the net. Ilya Tatatuyev extended Amur`s lead with a second goal, left unattended in front of the net by Neftekhimik`s defense.
In the second period, the hosts (Neftekhimik) intensified their offensive pressure, outshooting Amur nearly four-fold (18-5). However, the goal difference remained constant as both teams traded goals. Damir Zhafyarov scored an unstoppable power-play goal, firing precisely under the crossbar into the near corner. Zaseda then replicated his earlier success with a similar goal, this time at even strength.
Amur played the third period defensively, protecting their lead. Nizhnekamsk maintained puck possession but couldn`t breach Amur`s defense, anchored by goaltender Dorozhko. Oleg Li sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, marking Neftekhimik`s fourth consecutive loss.
Three Stars of the Game (Amur vs Neftekhimik):
- Matvei Zaseda: Scored two goals.
- Maxim Dorozhko: Stopped 44 out of 45 shots.
- Damir Zhafyarov: Registered four shots on goal and scored once.
Abrosimov`s Double and Samoilov`s Shutout Secure Severstal`s Victory Over Sochi
Severstal kicked off their second home series of the season against HC Sochi, a close rival in the standings. Last Sunday, Cherepovets concluded a long road trip that began in September. During their six away games, they managed three victories but also lost three key forwards—Ilya Ivantsov, Kirill Pilipenko, and Kirill Tankov—to injuries. This forced head coach Andrei Kozyrev to adjust the lineup and shuffle lines, with Danil Veryaev, playing only his third game for Severstal, featuring on the first line.
Sochi was wrapping up its road trip, having scored only two goals in total during losses to Salavat Yulaev and Lada, both by a score of 1-3.
The first period began with an even display from both teams. However, Severstal gradually increased their offensive pressure, and Ruslan Abrosimov broke the deadlock with two minutes remaining before the first intermission. Nikolai Chebykin, who assisted on the goal, achieved his 100th career point.
Cherepovets continued their offensive push in the second period, with Mikhail Ilyin scoring in his fifth consecutive game. Sochi managed only four shots on Alexander Samoilov`s goal, while Pavel Khomchenko, Sochi`s goaltender, made 16 saves.
Abrosimov completed his brace in the third period, and the score remained unchanged thereafter, securing a dominant win for Severstal.
Three Stars of the Game (Severstal vs Sochi):
- Ruslan Abrosimov: Scored two goals.
- Alexander Samoilov: Achieved a shutout.
- Nikolai Chebykin: Provided two assists.
Neville Woodall