Late Goal Lifts CSKA in Opener of Four-Game Series

A tightly contested matchup between playoff hopefuls swung on a late strike as CSKA Moscow edged the Shanghai Dragons 3–2 on Thursday night at CSKA Arena, taking the first meeting of a four-game regular-season set.

The Dragons paused a lengthy home stand for a one-off road trip to Moscow and shuffled their lines, turning to Patrik Rybar in goal. With both clubs jockeying for postseason position – and CSKA holding games in hand – the opener carried added weight.

Holding the Line

CSKA came out flying, as expected, pressing early and often. Shanghai absorbed the surge with composure: Rybar settled in quickly, the posts helped once or twice, and the Dragons’ penalty kill stood firm when tested. The patience paid off.

A One-Two Punch

Moments after Bischoff stepped out of the box, he jumped into the rush, took a feed from Merkley, and unloaded his calling-card slap shot past Gamzin at 7:33. CSKA pushed back immediately but ran into a disciplined defensive wall. At 13:38, Shanghai doubled the lead when the puck found its way to Sucese at the top of the crease for a quick finish. The Dragons carried a 2–0 edge into the first intermission.

Momentum Shifts

CSKA predictably turned up the heat after the break, driven by the urgency of a two-goal deficit. Rybar faced a barrage-screens, tips, and rebounds-before Sorkin finally broke through with a sharp-angle shot from the boards at 32:08. Shanghai continued to counter, but a costly turnover exiting the zone proved decisive late in the period, as Poltapov tied it with just 10 seconds remaining to make it 2–2.

One Bounce Decides It

The third period unfolded on even terms. CSKA struggled to impose sustained pressure, then overreached with sticks around the crease, gifting Shanghai its first power play of the night. Wagner and Rendulic had looks, but couldn’t beat Gamzin. CSKA’s own brief advantage also came up empty.

With the clock ticking down, every touch mattered. Shanghai earned another power play after Poltapov was whistled for a foul on Rendulic, moved the puck well, but couldn’t find the go-ahead goal. Poltapov redeemed himself moments later—fresh out of the box-joining the rush and finishing the decisive play at 57:09. Down to the final minutes, the Dragons pressed, but couldn’t force an equalizer.

The Dragons return home next, hosting HC Sochi on January 12 at SKA Arena as the series race continues.

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

January 9 | Moscow, CSKA Arena | Attendance: 9,156
Goaltenders: Gamzin – Rybar

Scoring Summary:

0-1 — Bischoff (Merkley, Rybar) 07:33
0-2 — Sucese (Akolzin, Boschoff) 13:38
1-2 — Sorkin (Hollowell, Poltapov) 32:08
2-2 — Poltapov (Karnaukhov) 39:50
3-2 — Poltapov (Sorkin, Hollowell) 57:09

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons, Moscow