Mikhailis shoots down Russia ‘B’

Two goals from Nikita Mikhailis gave Kazakhstan the verdict in this game — and lifted the Steppe Eagles to victory in the three-team Kazakhstan Open. Both teams warmed up for today’s showdown with wins over Belarus, making this a gold-medal showdown within the mini-tournament.

Kazakhstan 2 Russia ‘B’ 1 (1-0, 0-1, 1-0)

Nikita Mikhailis, whose father Yury is head coach of both Barys and the Kazakh national team, opened the scoring in the 14th minute of a first period that the home team dominated. However, a strong showing from Maxim Tretyak between the piping kept the scoreline to a minimum at the first intermission.

In the middle stanza, Russia’s B team improved and drew level thanks to a combination between two Sibir players. Nikita Shashkov’s shot was saved, but the rebound went to Ilya Morozov who scored from close range. Then, in an even third period, a penalty on Russia’s Alexander Bryntsev proved decisive. While he sat for tripping, Mikhailis potted his second of the game to give Kazakhstan the verdict.

Russia ‘B’ is not quite finished in Nur-Sultan. Tomorrow, Oleg Bratash’s team takes on Kazakhstan ‘B’ in an exhibition game. The Kazakh second string warmed up for that encounter with an overtime win over Belarus, which leaves Central Asia with three losses from three games. Belarus handed international debuts to two naturalized Canadians during this tournament, with goalie Danny Taylor and forward Francis Pare getting the call.