Neftekhimik - SKA - 1:2

In the first match of the 2020/2021 KHL campaign, SKA edged past HC Neftekhimik in Nizhnekamsk, earning a tough 2:1 victory.

Igor Ozhiganov opened the scoring in the first period before Anton Burdasov subsequently doubled the advantage in the second with a powerplay goal. However, with 10 minutes remaining in regulation time, former SKA forward Alexander Kucheryavenko halved the deficit for Neftekhimik.

Nevertheless, despite pressing from Neftekhimik in the closing stages, goalkeeper Alexander Samonov stood tall to the task to help SKA emerge victorious.

SKA will now prepare to face Ak Bars in Kazan on September 6. The game is scheduled to begin at 17:30 local time.

Match protocol:

Neftekhimik - SKA - 1:2 (0:1, 0:1, 1:0)

Goals:

0:1 Ozhiganov (Antipin, Podkolzin), 12.47

0:2 Burdasov (Tkachyov, Bengtsson), 39.33

1:2 Kucheryavenko (Semyonov, Bikmullin), 50.08

Goalkeepers: Barulin - Samonov

Shots on target: 31 - 40

Faceoffs: 20 - 38

Hits: 15 - 14

Penalty minutes: 8 - 12

Referees: Olenin, Fateev

04.09.2020.