The Astana-based team endured its fourth consecutive defeat in a tight 2-1 contest against Ak Bars.
Game Overview
The four-game home series for Astana`s Barys began with another defeat against Ak Bars, marking their fourth consecutive loss in the Kontinental Hockey League. Ak Bars, on the other hand, commenced their three-game road trip in Astana, looking to rebound from a recent slump in form.
Lineup Adjustments
Following a narrow 0-1 overtime loss to Dinamo Minsk, Barys head coach Mikhail Kravets opted for significant changes, reshuffling his forward lines. Maxim Mukhametov returned to the lineup, while Kirill Lyapunov and Vsevolod Logvin made their season debuts. Goaltender Adam Shiel also made his first appearance for Barys, stepping between the pipes. Ak Bars, having struggled with five losses in their last seven games, made their own adjustments, bringing in defensemen Artemy Knyazev and Stepan Terekhov, and forwards Timofey Zhulin and Artyom Galimov to inject fresh energy.
First Period Action
The visitors from Kazan wasted no time making their presence felt, opening the scoring just 14 seconds after the opening face-off. Alexander Barabanov, extending his personal point streak to an impressive four games, initiated the rush from his own zone. Kirill Semyonov skillfully drew a defenseman, creating space, and delivered a precise pass to the far post, allowing Vladimir Alistrov to convert unchallenged. Despite the rapid goal, the game remained evenly contested, with both teams exchanging chances. Ak Bars` defense also faced significant pressure. In one particularly dangerous sequence, Vyacheslav Kolesnikov found Ansar Shaikhmeeddenov, whose one-timer seemed destined for the net, but veteran goaltender Timur Bilyalov made a spectacular sprawling save to preserve Kazan`s early lead.
Second and Third Period Dynamics
The second period, much like the first, was characterized by frequent penalties, often disrupting the flow of play. Over the first 40 minutes, officials called ten minor penalties in total, with a significant seven of them assessed against Ak Bars. Special teams ultimately proved to be a decisive factor at the start of the third period. Just three seconds after a Barys player returned to the ice from the penalty box, technically at even strength, Ak Bars doubled their advantage. Nikita Dynyak successfully poked the puck into the top corner after a scramble in front of the net, extending their lead.
Barys responded swiftly, narrowing the gap just 19 seconds later. Jake Massy unleashed a powerful shot from the blue line, which Bilyalov managed to stop, but Barys`s top scorer, Michael Vecchione, was first to the rebound, tallying his ninth point of the season. Ak Bars managed to maintain their narrow one-goal lead throughout the remainder of the period, defending resolutely. However, with only 36 seconds remaining in regulation, Vladimir Alistrov nearly became an unfortunate culprit, taking a penalty that put Ak Bars shorthanded. Yet, even with the late power play opportunity, the hosts couldn`t capitalize and ultimately suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.
Three Stars of the Game
- Timur Bilyalov (Ak Bars): Stopped 36 out of 37 shots, showcasing remarkable goaltending and keeping his team in the lead.
- Nikita Dynyak (Ak Bars): Scored the crucial second goal, registered three shots on goal, and delivered three impactful hits, contributing significantly to his team`s physical presence.
- Michael Vecchione (Barys): Scored Barys`s lone goal, registered four shots on goal, and won 7 of 12 face-offs (58.33%), demonstrating his offensive prowess and reliability.
Neville Woodall