KHL.ru presents the key moments from the game day on October 2nd. Spectators witnessed an incredible finish in the match between Dynamo Moscow and Traktor, Lada secured its first victory in ten games, and Sibir announced the termination of cooperation with head coach Vadim Yepanchintsev.
Dramatic Comeback by Traktor: Two Goals in a Minute, But Shootout Loss
Chelyabinsk`s Traktor continued its road trip in Moscow, facing Dynamo. The hosts confidently led, scoring two unanswered goals. Traktor`s attempt to respond was thwarted when a goal was disallowed due to offside. It seemed Dynamo was heading for an easy victory, especially when Traktor found themselves shorthanded with 2 minutes and 39 seconds left in the game and a 0-2 deficit. However, the team showed remarkable resilience: Logan Day narrowed the gap while playing four-on-five, and then, with an extra attacker on the ice, Mikhail Grigorenko tied the score just half a minute before the final buzzer. These two goals were scored a mere 56 seconds apart! Despite the heroic comeback and a power play in overtime, Traktor couldn`t snatch the win – Nikita Gusev secured the victory for Dynamo in the shootout.
Lada Breaks Losing Streak
In Nizhnekamsk, Tolyatti`s Lada faced Neftekhimik, burdened by nine consecutive losses, a streak that threatened to equal the club`s KHL anti-record. Fortunately for their fans, this did not happen. Lada displayed disciplined defensive play and effectively capitalized on their opponent`s mistakes, earning a convincing 4-1 victory. This marks the first win for new head coach Pavel Desyatkov.
Sibir Parts Ways with Vadim Yepanchintsev
Following Lada, Sibir became the second club to decide on a coaching change due to unsatisfactory team results. On October 2nd, it was officially announced that Vadim Yepanchintsev was departing his post. In the current season, the Novosibirsk team has managed to win only four out of ten matches, which currently leaves them outside the playoff zone in the Eastern Conference.
Player Milestones and Scoring Streaks
Lada defenseman Vladislav Semyon reached the 200-game mark in the KHL. Several players also extended their personal scoring streaks: Artyom Sergeev of Dynamo Moscow extended his streak to four games (1 goal + 3 assists), Andrei Belozerov of Neftekhimik to five (2+5), and Joshua Leivo of Traktor also to five (3+5).
Neville Woodall