Avangard Closes Out Metallurg in Shootout, SKA Triumphs Over Dinamo Minsk on the Road

Prokhorkin’s Goal and Decisive Shootout Marker Lift Avangard Past Metallurg

The highly anticipated fourth meeting of the season between Eastern Conference powerhouses Metallurg and Avangard — leaders in points percentage — lived up to its billing. Interestingly, the previous three encounters had all resulted in wins for the road team. Both sides made minor roster tweaks before the Omsk clash: Avangard welcomed back Igor Martynov, while Metallurg swapped goaltenders, starting Alexander Smolin, and inserting Igor Nechaev and Alexander Petunin up front.

Game Flow

The game began with a clear advantage for the visitors, Metallurg, who immediately pressed Avangard netminder Nikita Serebryakov. Ruslan Ishakov even hit the post early on. Metallurg dominated zone time and earned the first power play, though it passed without sustained pressure. Avangard eventually responded, generating dangerous chances, including two point-blank opportunities missed by Maxim Lajoi against the steady Smolin. Despite multiple subsequent power-play opportunities for both teams, the opening period ended scoreless.

The second period started quietly until a massive opportunity arose for Avangard: Nail Yakupov and Andrew Poturalski failed to convert on a two-on-zero rush, thanks to a spectacular save by Smolin. Moments later, Metallurg broke the deadlock. Following a contested faceoff, the puck found its way to the crease where Luke Johnson managed to poke it past Serebryakov. Avangard pushed hard for an equalizer, but Smolin remained flawless. Despite a slew of penalties, including a late too-many-men infraction against Avangard, the score remained 1-0 heading into the final frame.

Avangard finally tied the game early in the third. Nikolai Prokhorkin drove down the left flank, moved toward the center, and scored on his second effort to beat Smolin. Avangard briefly dominated following the goal, but Smolin held firm. Midway through the period, the play leveled out, leading to highly entertaining, end-to-end hockey as both teams aggressively sought the win in regulation.

In the dying minutes, Avangard had the edge, but Vladimir Tkachyov of Metallurg launched a spectacular solo rush that could only be stopped by a desperate foul, resulting in a penalty. Metallurg called a timeout but failed to capitalize on the power play either at the end of regulation or the start of overtime. The remainder of overtime was wide open but goal-less, forcing a shootout. In the skills competition, accurate attempts by Konstantin Okulov and Prokhorkin sealed the 2-1 victory for Avangard, while only Ishakov managed to score for Metallurg.

Three Stars of the Game (Avangard vs Metallurg)

SKA Defeats Dinamo Minsk for Second Time This Season

Dmitry Kvartalnov’s Dinamo Minsk continued their home stand, having recently demolished Lada (7-2) and Dynamo Moscow (7-1), cementing their status as the highest-scoring team in the Western Conference (133 goals). SKA, meanwhile, arrived in Minsk kicking off an away series following a narrow home loss to Spartak (1-2).

Three months prior, SKA had mounted a 0-2 comeback to defeat Dinamo 3-2 in overtime. Today, Dinamo saw the return of Xavier Ouellet to the first defensive pair, with Zach Fucale starting in goal. For SKA, returning defenseman Brennan Mennell slotted into the second line, while Sergey Ivanov got the nod as the starting goaltender.

Game Flow

Minsk started slowly, struggling to register their first shot on Ivanov, while SKA immediately seized the initiative. Six minutes in, SKA’s press paid off when Brendan Leipsic beat Fucale with a sharp shot from close range. Dinamo’s offense sputtered, and their leader Vitaly Pinchuk was even momentarily sidelined after a heavy hit. SKA continued their dominance, and at the 14-minute mark, Matvey Polyakov scored their second goal—a soft but perfectly accurate backhand shot.

Dinamo found their footing in the second period, but SKA maintained their composure. SKA weathered the hosts’ initial surge and scored their third goal at 28 minutes when Mikhail Vorobyov tucked the puck into an open corner after a lucky rebound. Despite increased activity, Dinamo lacked the finishing touch. Even on the power play, they were often limited to shots from distance, failing to create traffic in front of Ivanov. The home team’s best chance came during a five-on-three power play, but SKA successfully killed it, largely due to key saves by Ivanov.

The final period began with continuous, fast-paced play, yet clear chances were scarce. SKA’s attacks still looked more dangerous, despite Dinamo needing to chase the game. Midway through the period, Minsk earned a power play, took a timeout, and pulled Fucale for an extra attacker. The gamble worked: Dinamo`s top scorer Sam Anas fired the puck under the crossbar into the nearly empty net. The goal energized Dinamo, but their risky play led to dangerous counter-attacks. In the final minute, Minsk again pulled the goalie, but Vorobyov finished the game with an empty-net marker, completing his brace. Final score: 4-1 SKA.

Three Stars of the Game (Dinamo Minsk vs SKA)