Comeback Falls Short: Dragons Drop Final Home Game to Avtomobilist

The Shanghai Dragons couldn’t cap their home schedule with a win, falling 6–2 to Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg on March 18 at SKA Arena.

Forward Nikita Popugaev returned to the lineup after signing a one-year contract extension earlier in the day, skating alongside Sutter and Spencer Foo. With Bischoff sidelined, Valentsov stepped into the lineup, while Shikin got the start in goal.

Fast-paced opening

There was no shortage of motivation on the ice, with Kuznetsov, Shikin and Merkley all facing their former club.

Avtomobilist came out aggressively, applying heavy forecheck pressure and generating sustained offensive-zone time. That pressure paid off at 7:06, when Sharov forced a turnover and set up Sprong in front to open the scoring.

Shanghai responded well. After failing to convert on a 5-on-3 opportunity, Kuznetsov tied the game at 12:55 with a composed finish at even strength.

However, the Dragons couldn’t carry momentum into the intermission. At 19:26, Shashkov capitalized on a breakaway to restore the visitors’ lead, making it 2–1 heading into the second period.

Chances without finish

The second period saw Shanghai control large stretches of play. The Dragons attacked with pace, created odd-man rushes – including multiple 2-on-1 and even a 2-on-0 opportunity – and tested Galkin repeatedly.

Popugaev nearly scored but was denied by the goaltender’s mask, while other chances failed to find their way through traffic.

Despite the pressure, it was Avtomobilist that extended the lead. On the power play at 35:05, Golyshev found a loose puck near the crease and finished to make it 3–1.

Push denied

Avtomobilist opened the third period looking to close the game out, forcing Shikin into several key saves while Shanghai defenders blocked additional attempts.

Eventually, the Dragons found a breakthrough. At 49:35, Kuznetsov set up Labanc, who beat Galkin to cut the deficit to 3–2.

But the response was immediate. Just 18 seconds later, Blacker fired a shot through traffic to restore the two-goal lead at 4–2, halting Shanghai’s momentum.

The Dragons continued to push, earning a late power play and eventually pulling Shikin for the extra attacker. However, they couldn’t convert, and Avtomobilist sealed the result with an empty-net goal from Da Costa at 58:11, before Tryamkin added another in the final seconds.

Shanghai will close out the regular season on March 20 in Saint Petersburg against SKA Saint Petersburg.

FONBET KHL Regular Season
Shanghai Dragons – Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg 2–6 (1–2, 0–1, 1–3)

March 18 | Saint Petersburg, SKA Arena | Attendance: 8,179
Goaltenders: Shikin – Galkin

Scoring Summary:

0–1 — Sprong (Sharov) 07:06
1–1 — Kuznetsov (Sutter, Clendening) 12:55
1–2 — Shashkov (Blacker) 19:26
1–3 — Golyshev (Sprong, Tryamkin) 35:05 PPG
2–3 — Labanc (Kuznetsov, Quinney) 49:35
2–4 — Blacker (Da Costa) 49:53
2–5 — Da Costa (Osipov) 58:11 ENG
2–6 — Tryamkin (Sprong, Sharov) 59:57

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons