Neftekhimik 2–3 (OT) Metallurg Mg 10/27/2026

Neftekhimik lost to Metallurg Mg 2–3 (OT).

The opening period was played at a furious pace and with no shortage of physical battles. The visitors came out on the front foot, sending wave after wave toward Filipp Dolganov’s crease. Metallurg Mg needed only a couple of quick passes to enter the Neftekhimik zone, and they settled into long spells of pressure that forced Neftekhimik to defend first and look for outlets second.

As the period wore on, Neftekhimik clawed its way back into the contest and began to produce chances around Alexander Smolin’s net. The hosts got shots away, but accuracy was missing, and in the final stage of their attacks they too often ran out of ideas. Grigory Seleznyov was especially busy; three clean looks went begging, and any one of them could have changed the shape of the period.

With the intermission approaching, the temperature rose. It was precisely then that Neftekhimik turned the puck over in its own end. Nikita Mikhailis pounced, nudged it into space for Vladimir Tkachyov, and the latter’s shot gave Dolganov no chance.

The middle frame started badly for Neftekhimik. Nikita Khlystov’s two-minute penalty, taken before the break, left the Wolves short-handed from the opening face-off. They survived that spell without conceding and pushed forward once back at full strength, but the game soon showed how quickly an attack can turn into a counter. Just as Neftekhimik looked to build momentum, it nearly fell further behind. Andrei Kozlov went in alone on Filipp Dolganov and could not beat him; on the very next Neftekhimik attack, the goaltender was called on again.

Neftekhimik kept chasing the equalizer. Artur Tyanulin produced a memorable rush, carrying the puck from his own zone deep into Metallurg territory before threading a pass to Evgeny Mityakin, whose hard shot flew just wide.

The game grew scrappier. Metallurg Mg made the most of Ilya Pastukhov’s penalty, and this time fortune favored the visitors: Daniil Vovchenko’s well-placed effort found the net and extended the lead.

The final period became a test of resolve, and Neftekhimik answered it. The Wolves raised their intensity and at last turned their accumulated chances into goals.

Vladislav Yeryomenko got the comeback started early. After Metallurg coughed up the puck, the defenseman carried it confidently into the offensive zone and chose a heavy shot from distance instead of closing in on the netminder, catching the Steelworkers’ goaltender by surprise. The goal released the tension, the crowd at Neftekhim Arena found another gear, and it felt as though a second Neftekhimik goal was inevitable.

It arrived soon enough. In the 49th minute, Yeryomenko was involved again. His shot was cleverly redirected by Semyon Ruchkin, changing the puck’s path – 2–2. The arena erupted. Neftekhimik had not merely drawn level; it had done so in dramatic fashion and with plenty of character.

From there the tension only grew. Both teams went in search of the winner, but neither found one before the end of regulation. In the closing moments of overtime, the visitors finally took their chance.

Upcoming game:
 
      DATE                OPPONENT                 TIME 
10/29/2026             vs Admiral               ⏰7:30 pm