Kulbakov frustrates Red Star

7 October 2024

Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod 4 Kunlun Red Star 0

For the second time in barely a week, Torpedo proved too strong for the Dragons. Our guys did a good job of controlling one of the hottest attacks in the KHL right now, with only a couple of late goals giving the final score a lopsided look. Given that our opponent blasted 10 past Barys in its previous game, restricting them to just 28 shots on our net was something of an achievement.

And, despite our problems in scoring, this game was closer than the scoreline might suggest. Kunlun had more time on the attack (15:17 vs 14:39) and more attempts on goal (56-46), forcing Torpedo to block more shots over the 60 minutes. But home goalie Ivan Kulbakov was on top form and our forwards could not find their best form to give us a way to win this game.

The first period was tight, with chances hard to come by at either end. The best opportunity for the Dragons saw Ian McCoshen break down the left and fire in a low shot. Ivan Kulbakov could only pad it out in front, but Jayden Halbgewachs put the rebound narrowly wide. At the other end, the home team responded to open the scoring in the 15^th minute through Daniil Bokun.

The Dragons looked dangerous on the power play. At the start of the second period, in particular, there were good opportunities for Nail Yakupov and Danny O’Regan to get us level. However, Torpedo held on and increased its lead midway through the session. Maxim Letunov extended his productive streak to six games and added an assist to the goal and two helpers he plundered in Mytishchi; Nikita Artamonov was the beneficiary.

In the third period there was even more frustration. Although there was no lack of effort from our guys, the Dragons had a hard time making an impact on the home defense. Moreover, with a lead to defend, Torpedo knew that it could sit back a little and try to protect Kulbakov’s shut-out. Red Star had more than twice the attacking possession and outshot our host 13-10 in the frame but could not break through. There were a couple of promising moments, most notably when Spencer Foo’s shot bounced out in front for the onrushing Kyle Wood, who saw his effort gobbled up by a relieved home netminder.

At the other end, Jeremy Smith denied Mikhail Abramov’s penalty shot in the 57^th minute. However, Torpedo got its third goal a minute later with Smitty already on the sidelines. Kirill Voronin found the empty net to make it three and there was a late power play goal to wrap up a disappointing evening for KRS.

Our road trip continues Wednesday with a journey to Yaroslavl. There, we’ll face table-topping Lokomotiv whose epic battle with SKA ended in OT defeat on Monday.