The final game of the KHL day took place in St. Petersburg, where Kunlun Red Star (informally known as the “Shanghai Dragons”) hosted Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. The visitors built an initial two-goal advantage, allowed the home team to rally and equalize, but ultimately secured a narrow 4–3 victory in extra time.
Khoruzhev`s Overtime Winner Snaps Neftekhimik`s Losing Streak
Kirill Rasskazov continued his run of form, netting a goal in his second consecutive appearance. Just two days prior, the newcomer to the Kunlun roster had helped his team secure a shootout victory against Spartak Moscow. Rasskazov, positioned as the center for the fourth line—a combination typically composed of Russian or Russian-speaking players, including regulars like Nikita Popugaev and Pavel Akolzin—managed to tie the game late in the first period.
The scoring was opened midway through the first frame by Artem Serikov, who fired a powerful shot from the blue line. Kunlun outshot Neftekhimik by a significant margin (15-8) in the first period. However, the story of the opening 20 minutes was the penalty box, with 20 total minutes of penalties handed out. Despite playing nearly two minutes on a 5-on-3 power play toward the end of the period, the hosts failed to generate any significant scoring chances. Most penalties were described as “silly” rather than aggressive, including too many men (Neftekhimik), tripping, and roughing (Kunlun). Nick Merkley even received a minor penalty for skating through the opponent’s crease and clipping goaltender Filip Dolganov, who had made a crucial save early on.
Despite a five-game skid coming into the match, Neftekhimik remained the fifth-ranked team in the Eastern Conference. Kunlun’s recent win over Spartak had not yet helped them climb into a playoff spot, trailing by five points.
Neftekhimik Seizes and Squanders the Lead
After their energetic start, the “Dragons” lost their fire in the second period, allowing Neftekhimik to take control. First, following a penetrating rush by Damir Zhafyarov, Andrei Belozerov slotted the puck into the far corner past goaltender Andrei Kareev. Just 90 seconds later, Matvei Nadvorny aggressively stripped the puck from Adam Klenending and drove straight to the net, scoring a sensational solo effort that left both the opposing goalie and his own teammates stunned, giving Neftekhimik a 3-1 lead.
Trailing by two goals, Kunlun Red Star predictably activated their offense in the third period and quickly drew a penalty, which they converted on the ensuing power play. Kevin Lalande unleashed a fierce shot from the center of the zone (possibly tipped by Rasskazov) to pull the score within one.
The remainder of the third period was dominated by pressure in Neftekhimik’s zone, and the equalizer soon followed. After a shot from the blue line by Alexander Bryntsev, Vladimir Kuznetsov finished the play into the empty net near the post. Rasskazov played an indirect role here, winning the initial battle for the puck, although he did not receive an assist.
For the second consecutive game, Kunlun went to overtime. This time, however, the extra session did not end favorably for the hosts. A crucial two-on-one rush featuring Belozerov and Nikita Khoruzhev sealed the deal, with Khoruzhev netting the winner. This 4-3 overtime victory ended Neftekhimik’s five-game losing streak, while Kunlun Red Star recorded their ninth loss in the last 11 games.
Three Stars of the Game
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Andrei Belozerov
Scored a goal and registered the primary assist on the overtime winner. -
Kirill Rasskazov
Scored a crucial equalizing goal and won 64% of his faceoffs (7 of 11). -
Matvei Nadvorny
Scored a magnificent goal and recorded five shots on target.