Dragons Shock Undefeated Torpedo, Win 1-0 in Overtime

SAINT PETERSBURG – The Shanghai Dragons delivered a historic performance at SKA Arena on September 22, handing Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod their first loss of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 overtime win. With a lineup featuring Bryntsev, Spooner, and Kuznetsov, and Patrick Ribar back in goal, the Dragons rose to the challenge against a team that had dominated the league up to this point.

Early Power Play Opportunities Go Unconverted

Shanghai started aggressively, quickly drawing a power play after Vinogradov’s interference on Rielly at the boards. The Dragons moved the puck well, generating a few dangerous chances that Torpedo’s goalie Kostin stopped with quick reflexes. Merkley engaged in a battle with Naumenkov on the crease, and a couple of penalties for Shanghai tested Rybar early, though he wasn’t forced into heavy shorthanded action.

Emotions Boil Over

Torpedo continually probed the Dragons’ crease with quick passes to the slot, though the puck rarely reached their forwards. The period heated up late as Rielly and Sokolov clashed in the neutral zone – a preview of the physicality and intensity that would define the contest.

Attacking Waves in the Second Period

The second frame featured an offensive back-and-forth, with both goalies standing tall. Rybar was poised throughout, even stopping a blind behind-the-net attempt by Torpedo. Kuznetsov nearly capitalized with a slick chance to the far corner, keeping the crowd on edge.

Power Plays and Near Misses

As the period progressed, Shanghai controlled the puck in the offensive zone, forcing line changes and creating traffic in front of Kostin. Two penalties against Torpedo granted Shanghai extended opportunities, but despite numerous quality chances, including a shot from Quinney off the post, the Dragons could not solve Kostin. Quick passes from Chekhovich, Spooner, and Chezganov kept the pressure relentless heading into the intermission. By the end of the second, Shanghai outshot Torpedo 17-7, continuing a stretch of five scoreless periods across two games.

Overtime Drama

The third period opened with Shanghai pressing and Torpedo defending tenaciously. A long-range shot rattled the post off Rybar’s crease, a reminder that the first goal could come from any play. Both teams searched for a game-winner, with Dragon forwards cycling and probing, while Torpedo threatened in waves. Key saves by Rybar kept the score even, sending the game into overtime.

Merkley Delivers in OT

In extra time, Shanghai gained momentum early. Riley Sutter earned a breakaway 1-on-1, but a Torpedo defender’s illegal check resulted in a 4-on-3 power play. With Torpedo defending stoutly, it seemed a goal would not come – until Nick Merkley unleashed a shot off the boards that deflected in off a defender, clinching a historic 1-0 OT win. The Dragons celebrated a monumental W, toppling the undefeated powerhouse.

Next Up: Shanghai Dragons face Dynamo Moscow on September 24 in Moscow.

FONBET KHL Regular Season
Shanghai Dragons – Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod 1-0 ОТ (0-0, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

September 22, Saint Petersburg | SKA Arena | Attendance: 8,320
Goalies: Rybar – Kostin

Scoring Summary:

1:0 – Merkley (Rendulic, Spooner) – 63:09 PPG OTW

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons