Denis Zernov’s brace helped Metallurg beat Sibir

Today, February 12, “Metallurg” played an away match against one of the leaders of the Eastern Conference – Novosibirsk “Siberia”. Denis Zernov, Semyon Koshelev and Brendan Leipsik excelled at Magnitogorsk.

Changes in the composition compared to the previous match were small. Eddie Pasquale became the main goalkeeper, also Josh Curry and Yaroslav Khabarov were also in the game application. Arkhip Nekolenko and Grigory Dronov did not play.

Already in the first minute of the meeting, the player of “Siberia” broke the rules. “Metallurg” started drawing the “extra” and 10 seconds before the end of the removal, they still managed to convert it. Brought forward the team Denis Zernov. Towards the end of the period, Novosibirsk again remained in the minority, the guests got a good opportunity to increase their advantage. And they took full advantage of it. But this time less than 20 seconds were enough for Magnitogorsk. Semyon Koshelev made the score 2:0 on the scoreboard.

The stands saw the next goal at the end of the 24th minute. Maxim Karpov was able to intercept the puck in the zone of the Siberians and made a pass to Denis Zernov, who was on duty at the opponent’s goal. He, in turn, took aim and sent it into the net with an accurate throw – 3:0.

At the end of the 33rd minute, the teams received a mutual removal. The game continued in a four-on-four format. At some point, Anatoly Nikontsev successfully robbed a Sibir player at the exit from the zone and went with the puck to the hosts’ goal, but he didn’t shoot himself, but threw the puck back at Brendan Lipsik, who made a throw and flashed the goalkeeper – 4:0 in favor of Metallurg. After the fourth goal, Siberia had a goalkeeper change.

Only in the middle of the third dvadtsatiminutki after a protracted positional attack, the Siberians managed to break through Eddie Pasquale. The author of the goal was Nikita Shashkov. The event noticeably revived the hockey players of Siberia. In the minutes that followed, they were able to create some truly dangerous moments. Metallurg withstood the onslaught.

The result is 4:1 in favor of Metallurg. The victory over Sibir guaranteed a place in the playoffs for the Magnitogorsk team. Hockey players for the 31st time in a row in their history go to the decisive stage of the national championship.

The team will play the next match at the home arena on February 15 against Neftekhimik.