Metallurg ended the year with a victory over Kunlun

Metallurg played the final match of 2023 at their home arena.

Compared to the previous game, the Magnitogorsk team included Mikhail Grass, as well as team newcomers: Igor Geraskin was placed in the third line, and Nikita Podskrebalin became the reserve goalkeeper. The place in goal was given to Ilya Nabokov. Egor Yakovlev and Roman Kantserov received a short rest.

The first period was left to the Kunlun RS players. The only goal was scored by the guests, although it happened with equal strength, but was the result of Metallurg playing in the minority.

However, already at the start of the second period, Magnitogorsk gained its numerical advantage, and converted it into one on the scoreboard just three seconds after the start of the rally. Alexander Petunin, on the penny, put his stick up and passed the puck after Robin Press’s throw. Let us note that the teams then played several more times with unequal lineups, and for the most part the Chinese team had to serve their punishments. And in the 32nd minute, Metallurg again sent off the opponent. Moreover, the same combination worked – Press and Petunin. Less than a minute later there was another effective attack from the hosts. After several finishing moves, Nikita Grebenkin finally sent the puck on target.

The match was put to an end by Pavel Akolzin, who hit the empty goal ten seconds before the end of the third period – 4:1.

Result – victory 4:1. Metallurg ends 2023, still being the leader of the East. The team will play the next match on January 3 in Sochi.