Nizhny Novgorod`s Torpedo once again showcased their prowess by visiting St. Petersburg and defeating SKA with a commanding 5-2 score. This victory marks their second triumph of the season over the team coached by their former mentor, Igor Larionov, with Vasily Atanasov delivering a particularly spectacular goal.
Igor Larionov`s Return and SKA`s Season So Far
Igor Larionov led his current Torpedo squad onto the ice with a clear intent for revenge against his former club. Their first encounter in Nizhny Novgorod had seen Torpedo emerge victorious (3-2 in overtime), a result that added to the media buzz around SKA after a shaky start to the season, including a significant loss in the inaugural St. Petersburg derby. However, SKA had since rallied with a four-game winning streak.
Despite the high-profile opponent and SKA`s recent break from matches, the Ice Palace wasn`t completely sold out. However, special guests were in attendance: the family of Artemi Panarin, including his mother, grandmother, and his famous grandfather, Vladimir Ilyich Levin, who inspired his hockey career.
First Period Action and Defensive Focus
The first period, contrary to expectations of high scoring from both teams, saw only one goal: Andrei Belevich redirected a puck to open the scoring. Both teams demonstrated plenty of movement but few shots on net. Torpedo arrived in St. Petersburg on the heels of three consecutive losses, while SKA had been in confident form, with only one defeat in their previous six matches.
Under Alexey Isakov, Torpedo`s defense has significantly tightened. Young defenseman Anton Silaev was particularly noticeable, actively thwarting SKA forwards` attempts to pounce on rebounds, even physically battling Valentin Zykov to prevent him from reaching the crease.
Turning Points: Goals and Penalties
It was Valentin Zykov who eventually tied the game with a beautiful falling goal from the slot, demonstrating remarkable resilience. The subsequent minutes tested Torpedo`s resolve. Shortly after the equalizer, Maxim Letunov received a four-minute penalty for a dangerous play against Rocco Grimaldi. However, SKA failed to capitalize on this generous power play. In fact, almost immediately after Letunov returned to the ice, Torpedo took the lead, with Letunov`s work behind the net setting up Vladislav Firstov for a shot, assisted by Daniil Zhuravlev.
The game remained tight until mid-third period when Nikita Smirnov equalized for SKA, marking his first point of the season. However, SKA couldn`t build on this momentum. A minute later, Joseph Blandisi took an ill-advised penalty, which Robert Nardella promptly converted to put Torpedo ahead again.
Atanasov`s Spectactular Goal Seals the Win
Then came Vasily Atanasov`s moment: the agile Torpedo forward scored arguably the goal of the week – a spectacular backhand shot from a sharp angle, tucked just under the crossbar. Egor Zavragin, clearly rattled, watched Torpedo`s next goal from the bench as SKA changed goalies. The final score stood at 5-2 in favor of the visitors.
Torpedo inflicted a second defeat of the season on their former head coach. However, Larionov will have a swift opportunity for redemption, as the teams are set to play two consecutive matches, with their next encounter scheduled for October 1st, also at the Ice Palace.
Three Stars of the Game:
- Robert Nardella: Scored the game-winning goal and added an assist.
- Vasily Atanasov: Scored a beautiful goal and registered five shots on target.
- Valentin Zykov: Scored a goal, had six shots on target, and delivered two hits.