We look back at the most compelling moments from December 26 in the Kontinental Hockey League. Nikolai Prokhorkin secured a critical victory for Avangard, Dinamo Minsk fell to SKA on home ice, and Kunlun Red Star battled Neftekhimik in a tight contest in St. Petersburg.
Prokhorkin Saves the Day for Avangard
In a crucial battle between Eastern Conference leaders, Avangard hosted Metallurg. Despite the low final score, the game was intense and filled with scoring opportunities. After Metallurg took the lead in the second period, Avangard`s Nikolai Prokhorkin stepped up. He first scored the crucial equalizer during regulation and then netted the winning shot in the subsequent shootout, lifting Avangard to second place in the conference standings.
SKA Dominates Dinamo Minsk
SKA traveled to face Dinamo Minsk, currently recognized as one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference. St. Petersburg executed a near-perfect match, scoring twice in the first period and adding one goal in both the second and third periods. Dinamo`s only reply was a consolation marker from Sam Anas, who became the second player on his team this season to reach the 20-goal benchmark.
Kunlun Red Star`s Comeback Falls Short
The Kunlun Red Star (who hosted the match in St. Petersburg) faced Neftekhimik. After trading goals in the first, Neftekhimik pulled ahead 3-1 in the second period. Kunlun showed tremendous resilience, battling back to tie the game and force overtime. Unfortunately, a costly mistake during a line change in the extra frame proved fatal: Nikita Khoruzhev converted a two-on-one opportunity, securing the victory for Neftekhimik and snapping their five-game losing skid.
Taylor Beck Registers First Goal in Return
Sibir secured a hard-fought 4-2 road victory against Admiral. Among the scorers for Sibir was Taylor Beck, who registered his debut goal since rejoining the club. Admiral’s Libor Šulák scored a late brace, but his second goal, scored in the final seven seconds of the third period, proved to be merely statistical and did not impact the outcome.