Khabarovsk “Amur” lost miserably to “Neftekhimik” on the road

The team from Khabarovsk lost to their direct competitor with a score of 0:4

Such matches are usually called “for four points”. The closest neighbors in the standings – the teams are separated by only one point, competing for a place in the eight. This usually involves an uncompromising fight, which is so popular with fans. So they were waiting for this match in Khabarovsk and, of course, they hoped that Amur would be able to jump into the playoff zone, pushing aside their competitors from Nizhnekamsk.

Passions were fueled Khabarovsk’s defeat in Moscow. In the game with CSKA, Amur had every chance to take points, but a forced removal in the final of the match confused all the cards for the Khabarovsk team. Nizhnekamsk, by the way, also played against CSKA and also lost. In addition, before the match with the Moscow army team, they lost to the army team from the northern capital and Spartak. After Amur, Neftekhimik will have to play with Avangard and Salavat Yulaev, so the Tigers were now the most convenient prey for the Wolves.

Well, let’s not forget about some fatal role played by the team from Nizhnekamsk in the fate of Khabarovsk residents. Time passes, the lineups change, but the role of the “evil genius” remains – at the most important moments of the championship, it is “Neftekhimik” who appears in the way of the “tigers” and spoils the whole game for them. However, maybe I’m too biased towards this team, but somehow it’s impossible to forget about the 0:8 in the decisive match for getting into the playoffs, when that same Alikin played in goal.

Actually, in this match, the “wolves” completely destroyed the “tigers” by scoring four unanswered goals against Janis Kalnins. It all started with the onslaught of the hosts from the very first minutes of the match, it bore fruit – by the 8th minute Neftekhimik led by two goals. Attempts to recoup were unsuccessful. Philip Dolganov played reliably, the defenders selflessly blocked shots. In the second period, “Amur” corrected their mistakes and began to act more actively, but not only did they not score, they also conceded the third goal from Nikita Setdikov. The fourth goal was scored by Nail Yakupov, well known to the Khabarovsk team, in the third period.

It is interesting that in terms of the same shots on target, the Khabarovsk team confidently surpassed their opponents, which indicates the reliable defense of the Nizhnekamsk team. The result of the match is 0:4 from Neftekhimik, an honorable tenth place in the table for Amur.

“As expected, Neftekhimik would start very strongly – and so it happened. We missed two quick goals, then we opened up more. In terms of dedication, we have no complaints about our guys, but in terms of converting scoring chances… our forwards have scored zero goals in the last two matches. Well, as a result, we tried, tried, climbed, but the puck didn’t go in. I would like to note the performance of the Neftekhimik goalkeeper – the guy played very reliably. Well done,” noted after the match Andrey Martemyanov, head coach of HC “Amur”.

Concerning mentor of Neftekhimik, Oleg Leontyevhe noted that the team was seriously preparing for the game with Amur and the dedication of its defenders and goalkeeper.

This trip for Khabarovsk “Amur” did not turn out to be the most effective – two games, two defeats in regular time, zero points. As it were, “tigers” return to Khabarovsk, where they will have two games in the Far Eastern derby with the Primorsky Admiral – on November 19 and 21. It is with them that “Amur” will open a long home series.

Read also: Andrey Martemyanov: I think we played a good match. Unfortunately, Amur’s hopes of taking revenge for the defeat in Khabarovsk did not materialize

Khabarovsk “Amur” beat “Torpedo” on moral and volitional grounds. The Khabarovsk team took the lead from the beginning, then lost, but still managed to win back and retain the victory.

It became known who and when Khabarovsk “Amur” will play in November 2023. In November, Amur will play against Primorye Admiral for the first time this season.