Traktor goalie Mike Garnett made his first appearance of the season after shaking off an injury – and found himself picking the puck out of his net after just 27 seconds of action at home to Slovan.
Tomas Netik scored that one, while Garnett was preoccupied with Tomas Surovy’s hussling in the slot.
The evening got better for Garnett and Traktor, though: Jan Bulis tied it up late in the first and the teams traded goals in the second session before Semyon Kokuyov put the home team ahead for the first time early in the third. The advantage remained until the hooter as Traktor claimed a 3-2 win.
Medvescak improving, Ugra in a slump
Medvescak picked up its second win in a row while Ugra went down to its fifth loss in six games as these two teams’ contrasting fortunes continued.
It took overtime to separate the pair after a 1-1 tie, but once Ugra was penalized for having too many players on the ice the visitor seized the initiative and Bill Thomas grabbed the winning goal.
Early Matt Anderson had given Medvescak a first period lead, but a strong showing in the middle session saw Ugra draw level through Igor Magogin.
Around the league
Tim Stapleton got the overtime winner against his former club as Neftekhimik edged Dinamo Minsk after a 4-4 tie. Pyotr Khokhryakov scored twice for Neftekhimik; Charles Linglet matched that feat for Dinamo.
Lada and Atlant also tied in regulation, with Andrei Nikitenko levelling for the home side after Artyom Chernov gave Atlant the lead. This one went to a shoot-out before Nikitenko settled it in Lada’s favor.
