Second-period collapse results in Nizhnekamsk setback

SKA were left to rue three conceded goals in a forgettable second stanza against Neftekhimik, consequently suffering a disappointing 3:4 defeat in Nizhnekamsk.

In truth, our players were on the back foot right from the off. However, even though Bulat Shafigullin initially equalised for the home side following Pavel Dedunov’s opener, Matvei Korotky reinstated SKA’s lead with his first KHL marker!

The talented 19-year-old forward subsequently doubled his tally in the 35th minute with a superb wrister on the counter-attack. Unfortunately for us, though, Korotky’s second arrived after Neftekhimik had blitzed SKA with three consecutive goals from Grigory Seleznyov – twice – and Shafigullin.

With their backs to the wall, SKA threw everything at Neftekhimik in an improved third-period effort. Nevertheless, thanks to reliable goalkeeping and solid defending, the determined hosts held on.

SKA will now prepare to face Severstal in Cherepovets on Monday. Puck-drop is scheduled for 19:00 local time.

Match protocol:

Neftekhimik – SKA – 4:3 (1:2, 3:1, 0:0)

Goals:

0:1 Dedunov (Kuzmin, Pedan), 06.03

1:1 Shafigullin (Pastukhov, Mityakin), 13.09

1:2 Korotky (Zemchyonok, Dedunov), 19.12

2:2 Seleznyov (Tochilkin), 21.41

3:2 Seleznyov (Tochilkin), 31.29

4:2 Shafigullin (Leontyev), 32.58

4:3 Korotky (Kuzmin, Zaitsev), 34.11

Goalkeepers: Dolganov – Zavragin

Shots: 72 – 67

Shots on target: 37 – 25

Faceoffs: 29 – 27

Blocked shots: 25 – 22

Hits: 14 – 16

Penalty minutes: 4 – 6

Referees: Gashilov, Soin

Linesmen: Polyakov, Stroganov

15.02.2025.