Western Leaders! Shanghai Dragons Take First Place with 3-2 Win Over Dynamo Moscow

SAINT PETERSBURG — The Shanghai Dragons climbed to the top of the Western Conference with a 3-2 win over Dynamo Moscow at SKA Arena on October 14. Newcomer Kevin Labanc made an immediate impact in his Dragons debut, skating on the second line alongside Nikita Popugaev and Ryan Spooner, while Patrik Rybar returned between the pipes.

Early Highlight: Labanc Sets Up Popugaev

The opening minutes saw tight defensive play from both sides, but Labanc electrified the crowd with a clever blind pass from behind the opponent’s net to Popugaev, who finished cleanly for 1-0 Dragons just four minutes in. The new acquisition marked his first contribution for Shanghai in his opening shift.

Quinney Finishes on the Crease

Dynamo responded with sustained pressure, keeping Rybar busy, but Shanghai’s counterattacks created high-danger opportunities. Quinney eventually found space on the crease and converted a rebound for 2-0, sending the Dragons into the first intermission still on the power play and reminding everyone the game was far from over.

Momentum Shifts and Quick Rebounds

Dinamo capitalized early in the second, with Paquette scoring on a quick play in front to cut the deficit 2-1. Almost immediately, the visitors were caught shorthanded, allowing Merkley and Quinney to thread a fast sequence to Rendulic, who finished on the doorstep for 3-1 Dragons. Dynamo scored again before the intermission via a long-range shot from Ozhiganov, making it 3-2.

Third-Period Pressure

The final frame saw Shanghai spend time in both offensive and defensive zones. Dynamo pressed hard, particularly with Weal’s line generating quality chances, but Rybar made key saves and the Dragons’ defenders, including Bischoff and Somerby, blocked numerous shots. A late penalty to Valentsov gave Dinamo a 5-on-4 and 6-on-4 opportunity, but they were unable to convert.

Dragons Hold On to Claim the Top Spot

Despite late pressure from the visitors, Shanghai’s disciplined play and Rybar’s goaltending preserved the 3-2 win, marking the Dragons’ third consecutive win and cementing their place atop the Western Conference.

Next Up: The Dragons face Dinamo Moscow again on October 16 at SKA Arena. Tickets are on sale. Tickets are on sale!

KHL Regular Season – FONBET
Shanghai Dragons – Dynamo Moscow 3-2 (2-0, 1-2, 0-0)

October 14, Saint Petersburg | SKA Arena | Attendance: 4,710
Goalies: Rybar – Podyapolsky

Scoring Summary:

1:0 – Popugayev (Labanc, Clendening) 04:04
2:0 – Quinney 14:40
2:1 – Paquette (Weal, Gusev) 20:29 PPG
3:1 – Rendulic (Merkley, Quinney) 23:01 PPG
3:2 – Ozhiganov (Slepyshev, Paquette) 38:47

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons