Preseason Tournament: Avangard 4–3 Neftekhimik 8/30/2026
30.08.2026
Neftekhimik lost to Avangard 3–4.
Avangard scored two goals within the opening eight minutes. After first conceded goal, the Neftekhimik coaching staff initiated a video challenge for a potential offside . After video review, the on-ice officials upheld the goal and subsequently assessed a two‑minute penalty against the visiting team for delay of game. The Avangard got a power‑play opportunity.Later, Neftekhimik forward Sevastyan Sokolov redirected the puck into the net. Six minutes later, Avangard managed restore its two‑goal lead.
The face‑off battle between Yevgeny Mityakin and Michael McLeod emerged as a notable subplot of the contest. Following a draw in the Neftekhimik zone, Mityakin fed Grigory Seleznyov for a breakaway against Avangard goaltender Ivan Prosvetov, yet the forward was unable to beat the netminder. Nevertheless, we retained possession, and Timur Kol recorded his first goal for Neftekhimik with a point shot from the blue line.
It became apparent after the break that the Wolves had elevated not only their skating tempo but also their physical assertiveness. A series of dangerous opportunities happened in front of the Avangard crease; Damir Zhafyarov and Semyon Ruchkin both squandered clear‑cut chances.
Timur Kol came close to netting a second goal in his debut appearance. Joining the rush, he attempted to redirect the puck at the far post, but Prosvetov extended his pad in time to avert the threat.
The third period, much like the second, bore the hallmarks of the playoff encounters that have historically defined this matchup. Neftekhimik successfully converted a power‑play opportunity – Artyom Ilyenko was serving a roughing minor for an infraction against Matvei Nadvorny. Yevgeny Mityakin won the face‑off against McLeod, and the visitors orchestrated a setup for Andrei Belozerov; the captain's initial attempt missed the target, but the Wolves gave Prosvetov no reprieve on the follow‑up effort. Ultimately, however, the visitors were unable to complete the comeback. Despite the defeat, Neftekhimik delivered a thoroughly commendable performance.
