The team fielded a lineup that has built up strong chemistry lately against the Salavat Yulaev. The only change was in net, keeping with their traditional goalie tandem rotation to give both netminders roughly equal playing time. This time, it's Dmitry Gamzin's turn to play.
The first period was fast-paced, physical, and entertaining, but scoreless. Both teams had their chances but couldn't capitalize. Maxim Mamin and Nikolay Kovalenko created high-danger scoring chances for CSKA, while Dmitry Buchelnikov dangerous-ly carried the puck to the slot on a brilliant solo rush. The goals started coming after the first/second intermission. Prokhor Poltapov opened the scoring. He carried the puck into the zone, took aim, and sniped a deceptive shot from under the defenseman. Salavat goalie Semyon Vyazovoy was frozen. But the tie was soon restored as Ufa converted on the power play. They could have taken the lead right then and there. A penalty shot was awarded for throwing a stick toward our net. At this crucial moment, Gamzin stood tall and, even while down on the ice, turned away a shot from Salavat's leading scorer Sheldon Rempal. Another key moment occurred in the third period. The puck ricocheted off the boards right to the slot, where Nikolai Kovalenko buried it. The visitors challenged for goaltender interference, but the goal was allowed. CSKA also got a two-minute power play as a bonus, but they failed to convert. But the third goal was scored at even strength. Sorkin picked off a risky pass in the offensive zone and made no mistake against the goalie. Salavat’s late-game surge wasn’t much of a threat, and our defense handled it with confidence. Locking in our ninth straight win!
