Second Straight Win Over Dinamo Minsk! Dragons Snatch Late W 2-1

SAINT PETERSBURG — The Shanghai Dragons continued their hot streak at SKA Arena, securing a 2-1 win over Dinamo Minsk on October 11 in front of a crowd that included over 500 traveling Belarusian fans. Popugayev returned to the lineup, replacing Chezganov, while Andrei Kareyev guarded the crease for Shanghai.

Ceremonial Start

The game opened with stirring performances of three national anthems: Russia’s anthem was sung by Valeria Astapova, Belarus’ anthem by Evgeny Nagovitsyn from the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Chinese anthem by conservatory student Lu Dan.

Early Pressure from Minsk

Minsk, energized by their supporters, pressed aggressively from the first faceoff. Even with a power play, the visitors tested Kareyev but struggled to generate high-quality chances. Shanghai absorbed the pressure and gradually shifted play into Dinamo’s zone.

Power Plays and Breakthrough

Demchenko started in goal for Minsk, remaining sharp against Shanghai’s point shots and traffic in front. Both teams exchanged penalties in the first half of the game, but neither side scored. It wasn’t until the 34th minute that Minsk broke the deadlock as Anas battled to the middle of the crease and finished cleanly — 0-1.

Dragons Turn Up the Tempo

After the intermission, Shanghai increased the pace, activating their forecheck and generating more offensive opportunities. Minsk focused on protecting their crease, giving the Dragons’ defensemen more space at the blue line. Despite heavy possession, Kareev remained untested for long stretches but kept the Dragons in the game with timely saves.

Late-Game Drama

As Minsk tried to extend their lead, the Dragons’ defense held firm under intense pressure. Midway through the period, Kareyev made two spectacular saves, inspiring his teammates. Spencer Foo capitalized on a rebound, tying the game 1-1 with a diving finish. With Minsk taking penalties late in the period, Shanghai pressed and Ryan Spooner scored on a rebound to complete the comeback 2-1. Kareyev and the team held strong during the final surge, securing the win and propelling the Dragons to second place in the Western Conference.

Next Up: The Dragons face Dynamo Moscow at SKA Arena on October 14. Tickets are available.

KHL Regular Season – FONBET
Shanghai Dragons – Dinamo Minsk 2-1 (0-0, 0-1, 2-0)

October 11, Saint Petersburg | SKA Arena | Attendance: 5,899
Goalies: Kareyev – Demchenko

Scoring Summary:

0:1 – Anas (Smith, Limoges) 33:44
1:1 – Spencer Foo (Spooner, Duszak) 51:15
2:1 – Spooner (Quinney, Clendening) 57:10 PPG

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons