Playoffs 1st Round, Game 5: Avangard 4–3 (OT) Neftekhimik 4/1/2026
01.04.2026
Neftekhimik lost to Avangard 3–4 (OT).
As we mentioned before, this game was do–or–die for our team.The home team scored first goal of the night three minutes after an openning faceoff. Fortunately, our team managed to tied the game up quickly – Ivan Nikolishin made it 1–1. Avangard tried to storm Yaroslav Ozolin’s net, but Neftekhimik defended well and did not concede any goals.
In the second, Neftekhimik forward Bulat Shafigullin made it 2–1 on the power play. Avangard tied the game up two minutes later.
In the third period, Andrei Belozyorov borught to Neftekhimik its lead. Avangard tried to find its equalizer in order to save the game. Despite all the attempts by home team, the score on the scoreboard was 3–2. Later, Bulat Shafigullin could scored his second of the night. Avangard's goaltender played well and blocked the puck by his pad. Our team did its best and did not concede any goals despite all Avangard's goal–scoring chances. With two minutes left to play, the home team changed its goaltender for an extra player. Eight seconds before the end of the game, Avangard tied the game up.
In overtime, during first faceoff, Neftekhimik took penalty for high–sticking. Avangard took advantage of it and scored a game–winning goal on the power play.
