CSKA's coaching staff deployed nearly the same lineup as in their previous game against Admiral. Ivan Patrikhaev returned to the lineup, replacing Ivan Yukin, who made a solid debut on defense in the last game. Dmitry Buchelnikov avoided missing any game time despite sustaining an injury during Friday's matchup.
Our team had a strong start and spent a lot of time in the offensive zone. A few good scoring chances were generated to open the scoring. Prokhor Poltapov cut dangerously to the slot after driving behind the net, while Nikolay Kovalenko also tested the goaltender from right out front. Moments later, Denis Gurianov found himself completely unmarked on a breakaway, but his one-timer went straight into the defender. The visitors also tested Gamzin from time to time. The most active player was young forward Andrei Pustovoi, whose challenging shots were twice turned away by our goaltender. CSKA gave up a goal late in the period. Radulov buries it from the doorstep after a hard-fought battle along the boards. The Army Men surged in the second period, unleashing an absolute onslaught of attacks on their opponents. However, their last-minute execution fell short every time, with goaltender Daniil Isayev coming up big multiple times to bail out Yaroslavl. They finally cracked him once. Denis Gurianov blasted a one-timer under the bar on the power play, leaving the goaltender with absolutely no chance. Unfortunately, a CSKA penalty allowed the visitors to capitalize on the power play and retake the lead.
The game reached a turning point early in the third period. CSKA Arena fans celebrated Guryanov's second goal from Kovalenko's pass, but the referees disallowed it after ruling that Buchelnikov committed a foul beforehand. Our opponents scored on the power play again to extend their lead. CSKA kept fighting until the final minutes, pressing forward and breaking the shutout with a late goal. Denis Zernov capitalized with the extra attacker on the ice. But there was no miracle comeback.
The home stand is over, and CSKA Moscow is heading out on a multi-game road trip, starting against HC Sochi on September 16.
