Salavat Yulaev 4–3 Neftekhimik 10/12/2026
12.10.2026
Neftekhimik lost to Salavat Yulaev 4–3.
Salavat Yulaev came out with energy, seizing the initiative from the start; in the early minutes, they pressed the opposition's defense, looking for an early goal. At the same time, Neftekhimik weathered the pressure and earned a chance to take the lead themselves. Salavat Yulaev took two straight penalties, handing Neftekhimik a 5-on-3 power play for roughly a minute and a half. Unfortunately, they could not capitalize on the man advantage – though dangerous shots from Belozyorov and Bikmullin stood out. During that stretch, the team's nominal fourth line looked the most dangerous; in fact, it was this line that set up the opening goal against Salavat Yulaev. Sevastyan Sokolov sent a pass from his own zone to German Tochilkin and Grigory Seleznev, who executed a brilliant 2-on-1 rush, allowing our No. 21 to finally beat goaltender Semyon Vyazovoy – 1–0.That lead lasted just over five minutes. The hosts' first penalty led to a goal against Yaroslav Ozolin – who already had his hands full – making it 1–1. That is how the first period ended: one goal apiece, with forty minutes of battle still to come.
Early in the second period, Sevastyan Sokolov had a chance to put Neftekhimik ahead; he aimed for the corner of the net and fired, but Semyon Vyazovoy got in the way of the puck at the last moment. Tension on the ice mounted as both teams persistently sought a way to the opposing goal – and in games like this, the cost of every mistake rises exponentially. Alas, it was Neftekhimik who erred – making one more mistake than their opponents. Sheldon Rempal intercepted the puck, broke away for a one-on-one, and gave Yaroslav Ozolin no chance – 1–2.
Midway through the period, Neftekhimik seized full control: they pinned Salavat Yulaev in their own zone for long stretches, executed beautiful plays, engaged in fierce physical battles, and unleashed a barrage of shots on goal. They were missing only one thing: accuracy in finishing.
Early in the third period, Neftekhimik tied the game. Team captain Andrei Belozerov carried the puck the length of the ice, entered the opponent's zone, and caught Salavat Yulaev goaltender off guard with a wrist shot fired past a defender – 2–2.
But the home team's joy was short-lived; Neftekhimik soon conceded a third goal. Vladislav Yefremov successfully deflected a shot from Maxim Kuznetsov – 2–3.
Shortly thereafter, the home team scored a fourth goal – while shorthanded. It seemed the game was decided, but Neftekhimik refused to surrender and fought to the very end. They managed to pull one goal back, but ran out of time to do any more.
Upcoming game:
DATE OPPONENT TIME
10/16/2026 vs Traktor ⏰7:00 pm
