One Sequence Made the Difference: Dragons Fall to Lokomotiv

A single even-strength strike in the second period proved decisive as the Shanghai Dragons dropped a 2–0 decision to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl at SKA Arena on February 10.

Head coach Mitch Love continued to shuffle his lines in search of a spark. Sucese returned to center the fourth line, Parker Foo rejoined the lineup alongside his brother Spencer Foo, while Popugaev skated with Josephs and Labanc. Tikhomirov got the start in goal.

Pace and pushback

Both teams opened at full throttle. The first period was played at near-playoff intensity — high speed, heavy puck battles and barely a whistle in sight. Every shift featured drives to the crease and quick releases off the rush.

Midway through the frame, Lokomotiv thought they had struck first when Surin jammed in a rebound from the top of the blue paint. After a coach’s challenge for goaltender interference, the goal was overturned, keeping the game scoreless. From there, the Dragons and the Railwaymen traded rushes but neither could break through before intermission.

Power plays come up empty

With the benches on the long change in the second, both teams leaned into structured, positional attacks. Defensive layers held firm, and goaltenders matched each other save for save. Tikhomirov made a key stop on a partial breakaway to keep things level.

Shanghai had back-to-back power plays but struggled to generate clean entries or sustained pressure. Lokomotiv even threatened shorthanded. Moments after the teams returned to even strength, Shalunov found space in the slot and beat Tikhomirov to give the visitors a 1–0 lead at 32:13.

The Dragons earned another man advantage late in the period — again without a finish.

Searching for a spark

Early in the third, Shanghai killed off a penalty and survived a chaotic goalmouth scramble that required video review to confirm the puck had not crossed the line. Down just one, Lokomotiv refused to sit back. Instead, they pressed the pace, chewing up valuable minutes and forcing the Dragons to defend deep in their zone.

Shanghai, meanwhile, extended its scoreless stretch to seven periods. Lokomotiv’s disciplined forecheck disrupted breakouts and funneled most of the Dragons’ entries to the perimeter. When Shanghai did reach the slot, Isaev shut the door.

With Tikhomirov pulled for the extra attacker, the Dragons generated one late look, but it lacked the final touch. Moments later, Kiryanov sealed it into the empty net.

Shanghai will host Severstal Cherepovets on February 12 at SKA Arena.

FONBET KHL Regular Season
Shanghai Dragons – Lokomotiv Yaroslavl 0–2 (0–0, 0–1, 0–1)

February 10 | Saint Petersburg, SKA Arena | Attendance: 5,118
Goaltenders: Tikhomirov – Isayev

Scoring Summary:

0–1 — Shalunov (Surin) 32:13
0–2 — Kiryanov (Surin) 59:31 ENG

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons