Dragons Close Road Trip out with 3-1 Win Over Spartak Moscow

MOSCOW — The Shanghai Dragons wrapped up their road swing with a confident 3-1 win over Spartak Moscow at Megasport Arena on September 28. With Bryntsev and Akolzin returning to the lineup for strategic adjustments, and Patrik Rybar in goal, the Dragons executed a disciplined game plan to leave the ice with two valuable points.

Quick Exchange to Start

The game opened with an early power play for Shanghai as Spartak went short-handed. Despite a few point shots and traffic in front, Spartak goalie Zagidulin held strong. Moments later, the Dragons took a penalty of their own, and Spartak capitalized on the man advantage with Todd roofing a shot under the crossbar at 6:18. Shanghai responded almost instantly: Rendulic tipped in a feed through the crease just 32 seconds later to tie the game 1-1.

Counterattacking Opportunities

Following the exchange, Spartak held the territorial advantage, peppering Rybar with shots, while Shanghai relied on quick counterattacks to generate dangerous opportunities. Both sides struggled to finish cleanly, and no additional penalties created high-danger chances.

Burmistrov Sets Up Popugayev

Early in the second period, Clendening drew a penalty, giving Spartak a near chance in front of Rybar, but the forward missed the net. As play settled, Shanghai began to control puck possession, pinning Spartak in their zone. Kuznetsov nearly converted a slick opportunity, but Zagidulin remained sharp. Just before the intermission, Burmistrov threaded a pass through two sticks to Popugayev, who went in alone and beat the goalie cleanly — 2-1 Dragons.

Maintaining the Lead

In the third period, Spartak pressed for the equalizer, but the Dragons countered aggressively, generating multiple scoring chances and keeping the opposition under constant pressure. With the scoreline tight, any error could have shifted momentum, yet Shanghai’s defense remained composed.

Rielly’s Offensive Push Seals the Win

At 45:52, the Dragons executed a textbook 2-on-1 breakout. Popugayev found Rielly joining the rush, and he finished cleanly past Zagidulin to extend the lead to 3-1. Shanghai then focused on smart puck management, absorbing Spartak’s pressure and neutralizing late threats, including key saves by Rybar on Todd and Poryadin. Despite ending the game shorthanded, the Dragons closed out the game confidently.

Next Up: Shanghai Dragons return home on October 4 to host Traktor at SKA Arena. Tickets are available for purchase.

FONBET KHL Regular Season
Spartak Moscow – Shanghai Dragons 1-3 (1-1, 0-1, 0-1)

September 28, Moscow | Megasport Arena | Attendance: 9,882
Goalies: Zagidulin – Rybar

Scoring Summary:

1:0 – Todd (Kean, Zagidulin) 06:18 PPG
1:1 – Rendulic 06:50
1:2 – Popugayev (Burmistrov, Kuznetsov) 39:59
1:3 – Reilly (Popugayev, Somerby) 45:52

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons, Moscow