The KHL game day delivered dramatic moments and striking victories for hockey fans. Yaroslavl`s Lokomotiv staged an incredible comeback, recovering from a 0-2 deficit to snatch a win against Togliatti`s Lada. Meanwhile, Dynamo Moscow showcased its power on the road, confidently defeating the Shanghai Dragons.
Lokomotiv`s Phenomenal Comeback Against Lada
3 – 2
Match Details
After a six-day break, Lokomotiv hosted Lada, who had previously defeated Torpedo. The game started cautiously, with few scoring chances created by either team. However, after Nikita Cherepanov`s penalty, Lada, despite having the league`s worst power play, managed to open the scoring with a precise shot from Dmitry Kugryshev. By the end of the first period, Lada extended their lead when Alex Cotton scored his second goal and point of the match. Lokomotiv failed to convert their power play opportunity late in the period.
Lokomotiv started the second period with increased intensity, generating numerous dangerous scoring chances, but Lada`s goaltender Ivan Bocharov was outstanding. A curious moment occurred when Lokomotiv accidentally scored into their own net during a delayed penalty, but the goal was disallowed due to a Lada player touching the puck. Togliatti focused on blocking shots and counterattacks, one of which almost resulted in a third goal when Andrei Chivilyov hit the post. Lokomotiv`s scoring drought continued for a fifth consecutive period.
In the third period, Lokomotiv coach Bob Hartley made some line adjustments, which paid off. Yegor Surin narrowed the deficit with his ninth goal of the season. Despite Lada`s disciplined defense, Lokomotiv achieved their goal in the dying minutes. Alexander Radulov equalized, and just 24 seconds later, he assisted Byron Fraze, who scored the game-winning goal in his 100th KHL game. Yaroslavl secured a hard-fought comeback victory.
Three Stars of the Match: Lokomotiv vs Lada
- Alexander Radulov: Scored his 10th goal of the season, provided two assists.
- Yegor Surin: Scored a goal and added an assist.
- Byron Fraze: Scored the winning goal in his 100th KHL game.
Dynamo Moscow Dominates Shanghai Dragons
1 – 5
Match Details
Dynamo Moscow once again visited St. Petersburg for a clash with the Shanghai Dragons, a team they had played against before. Although the Dragons occupied a higher position in the Western Conference standings, Dynamo showcased a dominant performance.
The scoring opened in the fourth minute when Artem Ilyenko deftly deflected Artem Sergeev`s shot, sending the puck past Patrick Rybar. The first period was penalty-filled; both teams had 5-on-3 power play opportunities but failed to capitalize. A total of 12 penalty minutes were accumulated by both teams in the first 20 minutes.
Goals started flowing in the second half of the game. Artem Shvets-Rogovoy extended Dynamo`s lead, scoring for the third consecutive game. However, Austin Wagner quickly reduced the deficit back to one goal for the Shanghai Dragons.
The absence of captain Adam Clendening significantly impacted the Dragons` play. Alexander Bryntsev, who became the team`s first Russian captain, took over his duties, but his penalty for hooking highlighted the team`s struggles. Shanghai`s attacks became less assertive, and transitioning through the neutral zone became more challenging.
Key events unfolded at the start of the third period. Just 11 seconds in, Dylan Sikyura scored Dynamo`s third goal after a pass from Jordan Weal. Two minutes later, Artem Ilyenko completed his double, capitalizing on a home team error during their breakout attempt, assisted by Maxim Dzhioshvili. Maxim Komtua`s 30-minute disciplinary penalty (10+20) added drama but did not alter the outcome. The Shanghai Dragons suffered their fifth consecutive loss, indicating a serious crisis within the team.
Three Stars of the Match: Shanghai Dragons vs Dynamo Moscow
- Artem Ilyenko: Scored a brace with three shots.
- Maxim Dzhioshvili: Assisted Ilyenko twice.
- Vladislav Podyapolsky: Made 21 saves, won his second consecutive game.
Neville Woodall