Late Push Falls Short as Dragons Drop Tight Battle to Severstal

SAINT PETERSBURG — The Shanghai Dragons nearly pulled off another dramatic comeback at SKA Arena, but a furious third-period surge wasn’t enough in a 4–2 loss to Severstal. Despite a heavy push in the closing minutes, Shanghai fell just short after the visitors struck into the empty net with 10 seconds remaining.

For the third time this season, the Dragons and Severstal met — and after splitting their previous games in Cherepovets, this third matchup promised to be tight. Troy Josephs’ line started the game, while the rest of the lineup remained unchanged from the clash against SKA. Daniil Kareyev got the nod in goal.

Fast Start From Severstal

Severstal came out with the same trademark aggression they showed at home, pressing high and testing Kareyev early. The Dragons’ goaltender was sharp — until the pressure finally broke at 5:25, when Dumbadze jammed in a rebound to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.

Cherepovets smelled blood and kept the pace blazing, generating several Grade-A chances. But the Dragons responded well late in the period, hemming Severstal in their own zone. Despite long shifts of sustained pressure, they couldn’t solve Konstantin Shostak, who stood tall through the opening 20.

Missed Chances Keep the Game Tight

The Dragons carried that momentum into the second period and produced a string of excellent opportunities. But their finishing touch betrayed them — rebounds bounced away, shots sailed wide, and when needed, Shostak delivered.

Two consecutive penalties to Kevin Labanc slowed the Dragons’ rhythm. Though Severstal didn’t create much on their power plays, Shanghai had to spend precious energy defending instead of attacking. Late in the frame, Sucese had the best look at the equaliser right on the doorstep, but once again the puck refused to go in. The score remained 1–0 Severstal after 40 minutes.

Dragons Rally… Almost

Knowing the Dragons’ reputation for strong third periods, Severstal tried to strike first — and succeeded. Off a clean offensive-zone faceoff, Dumbadze scored his second of the night just 4:29 into the frame, doubling the lead to 2–0.

Moments later, Severstal capitalised on another transition rush to make it 3–0, seemingly putting the game out of reach.

But the Dragons weren’t done.

Labanc — who had been snakebitten all night — finally broke through with a sharp finish at 49:40, cutting the deficit to 3–1. The goal ignited Shanghai, who launched wave after wave of attacks. Seconds later, Labanc nearly scored again, while Kamalov answered with a breakaway that Kareyev denied in spectacular fashion.

With 2:30 left, the Dragons pulled the goalie — and it worked instantly. Labanc fired a puck from the boards that deflected off Ryan Spooner, then Josephs, and into the net. Suddenly it was 3–2, and SKA Arena roared back to life.

Shanghai dominated the final minute. They had Shostak beaten on one sequence, but the puck died in the crease, stuck in skates and sticks instead of crossing the line. One more bounce — just one — and the game would have been tied.

Instead, with 10 seconds left, Abrosimov hit the empty net. Severstal escaped with a 4–2 victory.

Next Up: The Dragons head to Moscow for a matchup against Dynamo on November 10.

KHL Regular Season — FONBET
Shanghai Dragons – Severstal (Cherepovets) — 2—4 (0–1, 0–0, 2–3)

November 8 | Saint Petersburg, SKA Arena | Attendance: 9,910
Goalies: Kareyev — Shostak

Scoring Summary:

0–1 — Dumbadze (Veryaev, Podshivalov) 05:25
0–2 — Dumbadze (Podshivalov) 44:29
0–3 — Podshivalov (Shchuchinov, Veryaev) — 47:01
1–3 — Labanc (Popugayev, Spooner) 49:40
2–3 — Josephs (Spooner, Labanc) 58:01
2–4 — Abrosimov (Liska, Kamalov) 59:50 ENG

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons