Revenge Served Hot: Dragons Explode for Six Goals to Beat Severstal

CHEREPOVETS — The Shanghai Dragons bounced back in spectacular fashion, erupting for six goals to defeat Severstal 6–3 on Friday night and avenge their loss just six days earlier. The win snapped the team’s three-game slide and marked a confident debut for newcomers Ostap Safin and Troy Josephs, both signed this week to reinforce an injury-depleted lineup.

For the Dragons, the night also brought two welcome returns — Nikita Popugaev and Adam Clendening rejoined the lineup — while Patrik Rybar got the start in goal.

Early Pressure from the Hosts

Severstal came out flying, firing from all angles and crashing the crease from the opening shift. The Dragons struggled to clear the zone, and by the third minute, Veryaev jammed in a loose puck for 1–0. Ten minutes later, Abrosimov doubled the lead from point-blank range after sustained pressure — 2–0.

But instead of folding, Shanghai hit back with ferocity. Just a minute later, Popugaev buried a rocket into the top corner on a 2-on-1 rush to halve the deficit. Two minutes later, a quick play in front saw Sucese tip in Labanc’s shot — 2–2. The Dragons nearly grabbed the lead on a late power play, but Samoylov’s saves kept it tied after 20.

The Momentum Turns

The second period began with adversity: three straight minor penalties to Ben Harpur left Shanghai killing off nearly half the frame. Rybar and his defense stood tall, surviving a pair of posts and relentless pressure.

Then came the turning point — and the avalanche.

At 31:46, Labanc struck on the power play to make it 3–2, his first goal in a Dragons sweater. Just four minutes later, Akolzin broke free and beat Samoylov on a breakaway, forcing Severstal to pull their starter. Against replacement Skotnikov, Austin Wagner added another before intermission — 5–2 Dragons, stunning the Cherepovets crowd.

Holding the Line

Predictably, Severstal stormed the net to start the third, throwing everything they had at Rybar. Shanghai bent but didn’t break — the goaltender made several key stops, while the defense blocked shots and cleared rebounds. Popugaev nearly added his second on a 2-on-1, missing the post by inches.

As frustration grew, Severstal turned physical — Clendening and Riley both took hard hits, but the Dragons kept their composure.

With five minutes remaining, Kvochko made it 5–3, but Shanghai immediately answered: Popugaev, again left unchecked in the slot, roofed his second of the night to seal a 6–3 victory — the Dragons’ most productive offensive game of the season.

Statement Win

From defensive grit to offensive precision, it was a complete team effort — one that showcased the Dragons’ depth, resilience, and newfound chemistry among the reinforcements.

Next up: The Dragons continue their road swing on November 3 in Magnitogorsk against Metallurg.

KHL Regular Season – FONBET
Severstal Cherepovets – Shanghai Dragons 3–6 (2–2, 0–3, 1–1)

November 1 | Ice Palace, Cherepovets | Attendance: 5,396
Goalies: Samoylov (Skotnikov – 35:40) – Rybar

Scoring Summary:

1:0 – Veryaev (Dumbadze, Podshivalov) 02:43
2:0 – Abrosimov (Kvochko, Liska) 11:15
2:1 – Popugayev (Harpur, Josephs) 12:21
2:2 – Sucese (Labanc, Harpur) 14:32
2:3 – Labanc (Rendulic, Ribar) 31:46 PPG
2:4 – Akolzin (Clendening, McKegg) 35:40
2:5 – Wagner (Clendening, Valentsov) 38:43
3:5 – Kvochko (Abrosimov, Liska) 54:58
3:6 – Popugayev (Labanc, Josephs) 57:12

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons