Neftekhimik 3–2 (OT) Traktor 10/16/2026
16.10.2026
Neftekhimik got a win over Traktor 3–2.
The game against Traktor began at a high tempo, with both teams playing an open, attacking style from the very first minute. Neftekhimik fired three consecutive shots on goal in quick succession, and just before the two–minute mark, they earned a power play after visiting goaltender Henrik Haukeland was penalized for displacing the net. Rafael Bikmullin and German Tochilkin came very close to capitalizing on the man advantage during a two–on–one break, but an opposing defenseman managed to neutralize the threat at the last moment.After successfully killing off the penalty, Traktor responded with several dangerous attacks. First, Grigory Dronov failed to convert a breakaway against Filipp Dolganov, who came up with a crucial save. Shortly after, another Traktor player missed the net from a prime scoring position. During this brief flurry of activity, the Neftekhimik goaltender made a couple of saves that could easily rank among the best in the league.
Wolves opened the scoring: Matvei Nadvorny received the puck near the left boards from Timur Khairullin, drove boldly toward the net, and outplayed the visitors' Norwegian goaltender to make it 1–0.
The hosts' lead was short–lived, however; Ivan Vydrenkov sent a long pass from deep in his own zone to set up Andrei Svetlakov for a breakaway against Dolganov, leveling the score at 1–1. But it took Neftekhimik only 19 seconds to regain the lead, as Rafael Bikmullin scored a goal remarkably similar to Nadvorny’s effort – making it 2–1.
The second period began with another power-play opportunity for Neftekhimik, Neftekhimik had earned a man advantage just before the first intermission. The visiting goaltender was once again assessed a two-minute minor penalty for dislodging the net. It seemed like a prime opportunity for the hosts to take the lead, but they failed to convert their advantage into a goal – once again, their finishing let them down.
Following this, the flow of the game leveled out. The teams appeared to trade momentum, each taking turns applying pressure and attempting to dictate the pace. At times, Neftekhimik would keep the Traktor zone under heavy siege; at other times, the visitors would respond with sharp counterattacks that put the Nizhnekamsk defense under duress. It became a tight, gritty contest where a single mistake could easily lead to a goal.
The pivotal moment of the period arrived in the 29th minute, when Traktor capitalized on a power play. Mikhail Grigorenko, receiving a precise pass from Grigory Dronov, made no mistake – leveling the score. This goal shifted the balance: the visitors gained confidence, while the hosts were forced to search for new ways to apply pressure. The teams headed into the intermission with the score tied.
In the third period, neither side opted for a defensive shell; both teams pushed forward aggressively, hunting for a goal. The shots-on-goal statistics clearly reflected the evenly matched nature of the contest and the balanced chances for both sides to secure a win.
Naturally, the game headed into overtime. During the extra frame, Neftekhimik held the territorial edge for the most part. One of the standout moments of overtime saw Neftekhimik captain Andrei Belozyorov break away for a clear one-on-one opportunity against goaltender Haukeland. It was a near-certain scoring chance, but he was unable to convert. It seemed as though both teams were already mentally preparing for a penalty shootout.
But the conclusion arrived sooner. With just 30 seconds left in overtime, Neftekhimik finally broke through. Alexander Petunin delivered a precise pass, setting up German Tochilkin for a breakaway toward the Traktor goal. The forward coolly put an emphatic end to this dramatic contest – the puck found the back of the net, and the stands erupted in applause.
This victory was a well-deserved reward for the team’s resilience.
The game will be remembered not only for its intense play and dramatic finish but also for its unique atmosphere – the game was themed around Tatar culture and aptly dubbed the EchpochMatch. Even before the opening face-off, the arena was imbued with the spirit of local traditions. Tatar performance groups took the stage, filling the air with familiar melodies, while dancers showcased the vibrant energy and distinct flair of their culture.
The festivities continued during the intermissions; the rhythms and colors of Tatar art ensured the energy in the stands never waned. This created a truly celebratory mood, transforming a standard hockey night into a grand city–wide festival. The entire arena felt like one big family, with everyone connected to both the city and the team.
Upcoming game:
DATE OPPONENT TIME
10/18/2026 vs CSKA ⏰2:00 pm
