Four-Goal Lead Slips Away: Dragons Fall in Overtime Thriller in Moscow

It was one of the wildest games of the season – and one that slipped through Shanghai’s fingers.

The Shanghai Dragons built a stunning four-goal first-period lead but ultimately fell 6–5 in overtime to CSKA Moscow at CSKA Arena on February 27.

Popugaev returned to the lineup alongside Sutter and Spencer Foo, while the fourth line featured an all-Russian trio of Kuznetsov, Kablukov and Akolzin. Leontyev stepped into the defensive rotation, and Tikhomirov got the start in goal.

Offensive explosion

The opening period was pure chaos — in the best and worst ways.

Shanghai struck first at 4:34 when Merkley snapped a wrist shot past Samonov from mid-range. Minutes later, while killing a penalty, Spencer Foo finished a two-on-one with Sutter to make it 2–0.

The Dragons kept pouring it on. Labanc benefited from a deflection at 12:17, and less than 90 seconds later Spencer Foo scored his second of the night, chasing Samonov from the net and forcing CSKA to turn to Gamzin.

At 4–0, Shanghai seemed firmly in control.

Momentum flips

The goalie change sparked the home side. Backed by a roaring crowd, CSKA exploded for three goals in just over two minutes late in the period. Buchnevich, Zernov and Abramov scored in rapid succession, cutting the lead to 4–3 before the intermission.

The second period brought heavy pressure from CSKA. Shanghai endured extended defensive-zone time and multiple penalty kills, including a brief 5-on-3 disadvantage. Remarkably, the Dragons survived without conceding, and even threatened shorthanded. Gamzin, however, kept the deficit at one.

More drama in the third

Early in the third, Zernov struck again on the power play at 41:05 to tie the game 4–4 — and in the process, Tikhomirov was injured on the play. Shikin entered in relief and was immediately tested.

Shanghai responded. At 49:06, Akolzin’s pass deflected into the net to restore a 5–4 lead, with Shikin earning an assist. But once again, the advantage was short-lived. Ebert tied it at 52:22, sending the game toward overtime.

Overtime heartbreak

The extra session lasted just 21 seconds. After a rebound in front, Karnaukhov found the loose puck and tapped it into an open net at 60:21, sealing a 6–5 victory for CSKA.

Shanghai leaves Moscow with one point — but also with the frustration of a four-goal lead that wasn’t enough.

The Dragons continue their road swing March 1 in Tolyatti against Lada Togliatti.

FONBET KHL Regular Season
CSKA Moscow – Shanghai Dragons 6–5 OT (3–4, 0–0, 2–1, 1–0)

February 27 | Moscow, CSKA Arena | Attendance: 8678
Goaltenders: Samonov (Gamzin – 13:33) – Tikhomirov (Shikin – 41:05)

Scoring Summary:

0–1 — Merkley (Rendulic) 04:34
0–2 — S. Foo (Sutter) 09:54 SHG
0–3 — Labanc (Quinney) 12:17
0–4 — S. Foo (Sucese, Bischoff) 13:33
1–4 — Buchelnikov (Karnaukhov, Okhotyuk) 17:44
2–4 — Zernov (Kovalenko, Churkin) 18:00
3–4 — Abramov 19:24
4–4 — Zernov (Kovalenko, Nesterov) 41:05 PPG
4–5 — Akolzin (Sutter, Shikin) 49:06
5–5 — Ebert (Poltapov, Abramov) 52:22
6–5 — Karnaukhov (Drozdov, Nesterov) 60:21 OTW

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons, Moscow