Second-Period Surge Lifts League Leaders: Dragons Fall to Metallurg

The Shanghai Dragons opened their 2026 home slate with new line combinations and defensive pairings, but a decisive second period swung the night as the KHL-leading Metallurg Magnitogorsk pulled away for a 7–3 win Friday at SKA Arena.

With head coach Gérard Gallant sidelined for a second straight game, Mike Kelly again took the reins behind the bench. Andrei Kareev got the start in goal.

Even Early

Magnitogorsk showed its trademark pace and puck movement from the opening faceoff, but the Dragons matched it shift for shift, killing penalties and generating looks of their own. Goaltender Smolin was tested early, and at 16:37 the Dragons broke through when Spencer Foo finished a play created by Josephs and Merkley.

The lead didn’t last. With five seconds left in the period, Khabarov struck to tie it 1–1, sending the teams to intermission level despite a strong opening from the hosts.

One Period, Seven Goals

The second began with promise for Shanghai as Sutter broke in alone and drew a penalty. The power play produced chances—Merkley rang a shot off the post—but couldn’t convert. At four-on-four moments later, Foo and Wagner both came close, only to be denied again.

Then the game opened up. From the midway point of the period, goals came in rapid succession—seven in just over 12 minutes—and Metallurg seized control. The Dragons briefly answered back, with Foo scoring his second to make it 2–2 and Wagner later cutting the deficit, but Magnitogorsk’s speed overwhelmed coverage and every push was met with an immediate response. By the horn, the visitors had built a 6–3 cushion.

Chances, But No Rally

Shanghai kept pressing in the third, refusing to sit back. Metallurg shifted into counterattack mode with a three-goal lead, and chances appeared at both ends. Wagner had another breakaway, Fu hit iron once more, and Rendulic couldn’t convert from the crease. At the other end, Kareev turned aside odd-man rushes, but Korotkov’s finish at 51:28 sealed the result.

The Dragons will look to bounce back at home on January 5, welcoming Lada to SKA Arena. Tickets are on sale.

FONBET KHL Regular Season
Shanghai Dragons – Metallurg Magnitogorsk 3–7 (1–1, 2–5, 0–1)

January 3 | Saint Petersburg, SKA Arena | Attendance: 10,791
Goaltenders: Kareyev – Smolin

Scoring Summary:

1:0 – Foo S. (Josephs, Merkley) 16:37
1:1 – Khabarov (Orekhov, Iskhakov) 19:55
1:2 – Petunin (Mikhailis, Press) 27:29 PPG
2:2 – Foo S. (Reilly, Josephs) 27:57
2:3 – Kantserov (Silantyev, Minulin) 31:38
2:4 – Palivko (Tkachyov, Kantserov) 33:55
2:5 – Tolchinsky (Minulin) 34:45
3:5 – Wagner (Valentsov, Rendulic) 38:24
3:6 – Silantyev (Tkachyov, Maklyukov) 38:51
3:7 – Korotkov (Petunin, Kozlov) 51:28

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons