Avtomobilist Defeats Neftekhimik on Third Attempt

Game Overview

Following their recent loss to Lada, Neftekhimik`s head coach Igor Grishin implemented minor adjustments to the lineup. Jean-Sébastien Dea and Bulat Shafagullin swapped positions, while Nikita Khlystov sat out the game, with Evgeny Mityakin stepping in to wear the captain`s patch. For Avtomobilist, Maxim Denezhkin returned to action after recovering from illness, though many other injured players remain sidelined.

Neftekhimik started the game with remarkable energy. Dea, notably supported by his family in attendance, was particularly prominent. The hosts appeared more driven, quicker, and more inventive, frequently attempting stickhandling to outmaneuver opponents with skill. For a considerable period, Avtomobilist`s only response was counterattacks. However, they came incredibly close to scoring when Yaroslav Ozolin displayed incredible reflexes, blocking three shots from the crease by Nikita Shashkov and Danil Romantsev in just three seconds.

Vladislav Barulin broke the deadlock during a power play, cleverly faking a pass before unleashing a sharp shot into the near corner of the net. Shortly after, the visitors also had a two-minute power play, though only Reid Boucher`s powerful shot truly stood out. The hosts had another chance to score during their second power play, and at even strength, they orchestrated an almost minute-long “carousel” in the offensive zone, constantly rotating positions and involving defensemen deep in the attack.

The Yekaterinburg team traditionally performs strongly in the second period, and from the very first shifts, they actively utilized the advantage of the long change. Denezhkin skillfully moved the play into the offensive zone, drawing the attention of defensemen, and subsequently assisted Shashkov and Stepan Khripunov in a successful scoring play.

Neftekhimik maintained their offensive style, continuously seeking unconventional solutions, but the execution quality significantly dropped compared to the first period. A crucial mistake led to Avtomobilist`s second goal when Roman Gorbunov intercepted an unfortunate cross-ice pass from Andrei Belozyorov in his own zone and scored from an excellent position. The visitors then gave the hosts two more power play opportunities, but both the defending quartet of skaters and goaltender Vladimir Galkin performed very cohesively.

After the intermission, the Khripunov — Romantsev — Shashkov line executed a beautiful combination, leaving Romantsev with an easy tap-in from just a couple of meters in front of the net. The hosts appeared stunned, and their disjointed play soon led to a fourth goal, scored by Alexander Sharov, further solidifying Avtomobilist`s lead.

Towards the end of another power play, Nikita Khoruzhev managed to narrow the deficit for Neftekhimik. However, any hopes for a significant comeback were extinguished just 15 seconds later when Dmitry Yudin scored Avtomobilist`s fifth goal with a powerful shot from the blue line. The game then settled down, and in the final minutes, spectators witnessed two separate fights: Artyom Kashtanov against Matvei Nadvorny, and Luka Profaki against Dmitry Isaev, adding a physical close to the match.

Three Stars of the Game