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Neftekhimik season review: Leontiev’s second playoff, Poryadin’s eye-catching perform
Despite a rough start, Neftekhimik didn’t panic and made it to the playoffs once again. KHL.ru continues its review of each team in 2022-2023 with a visit to Nizhnekamsk.
September was a disaster for Neftekhimik. An unwanted club record of 10 successive losses left the team rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference. However, despite the bad results, the team wasn’t playing all that badly: on occasion, Neftekhimik was unlucky and six of those 10 games were decided by a single goal. Respect is due to the management, which kept faith with head coach Oleg Leontyev. In turn, he backed his players and they repaid him by climbing the table and battling for a top-eight finish alongside Traktor, Barys and Amur. An unexpected 1-3 loss against Sochi in the closing stages almost ended the team’s hopes, but wins over Metallurg (4-3 OT) and Kunlun (7-0) in the next two games secured eighth place and a playoff berth.
Handed a tough task in post season, Neftekhimik went on to win the opening game of its series against Ak Bars. The Wolves were fast and uncompromising, and posed plenty of questions for their more illustrious opponent before eventually falling in six games.
Best players
41 (24+17) points in 73 games
There’s no doubt that this quick-witted forward was the star of the show in Nizhnekamsk. Poryadin boasts a great shot, strong stick handling and some unorthodox tactics. During the playoffs, for example, he overheard Ak Bars forward Alexander Radulov discussing a power play with his team-mates and used that inside info to steal the puck and set up a short-handed goal.
Poryadin was very much the leader on the team, with more goals and points than anyone else. Only Evgeny Mityakin played more games. The forward also scored his first KHL hat-trick, enjoyed his first All-Star call-up and set a personal scoring record.
14 (5+9) points in 69 games
A player’s importance to his team is not always measured in points alone. Vorobyov was Neftekhimik’s captain in 2022-2023 and led by example with a new KHL record for blocked shots — 210 of them! That works out at three per game. Against Torpedo, Vorobyov put his body on the line, getting behind seven shots and twice leaving the bench due to injury but returning each time.
Not surprisingly, Voroboyov had the best plus/minus on the team (+10). And while he wasn’t the highest scoring player on the team, he nevertheless had one of the most important goals of the season, grabbing a vital OT winner against Metallurg as the playoff race entered its final straight.
31 (13+18) points in 68 games
Chivilyov was probably the Neftekhimik prospect who made most progress last season, setting a personal scoring record in the KHL. He’s a versatile forward, whose strengths go beyond good hands and a fierce shot and also include a powerful hit. He’s also quick to step up for his colleagues, as could be seen when he fought Radulov during the playoffs.
Nonetheless, Chivilyov has yet to fulfil his full potential. Still only 23, he has a chance to step up another level next season and emerge as a true leader on the team, especially following Poryadin’s departure.
Coaching
Oleg Leontyev’s two seasons with Neftekhimik can be viewed a in positive light. Results have been good, with two trips to the playoffs, while the coach’s commitment to attractive, attacking hockey also brings fans back to the arena. He’s also done a good job of developing players: witness the progress of Andrei Belozyorov, Evgeny Mityakin and Mikhail Nazarov, each of whom has grown from a bit part to an important member of the team. The next challenge is to get Neftekhimik into the second round of the playoffs: it’s often claimed that it takes three years to build a team and, if this is the case, 2023-2024 could be a big season for Leontyevand Neftekhimik.
Best game
We’ve already touched on it, but that epic battle with Metallurg was a key step in clinching a playoff spot. After losing to Sochi, Neftekhimik could not afford any slip-up against Magnitka — and the Wolves produced the perfect response to adversity. Despite falling behind, Leontyev’s warriors battled back, with Belozyorov scoring twice to cancel out Nikolai Goldobin’s double. Then captain Vorobyov led by example with the winning goal in overtime, securing two vital points to keep the playoff push alive.
Young players
Chivilyov led the way, but he was one of several youngsters who made a good impression last term. There were good things from Ilya Fedotov and Semyon Kizimov, but the on-loan duo have since returned to Torpedo. Among the prospects available next season, defenseman Evgeny Kashnikov stands out, along with forwards Danil Sherstobitov and Raul Yakupov. The latter already has a striking resume: he made his debut in the playoffs, scored his first goal in the KHL and caught the eye with his performances against a powerful Ak Bars roster. If he gets a chance, the 18-year-old cousin of Nail Yakupov could be one of next season’s rising stars.
Summer work
Poryadin and Vorobyov’s successful seasons inevitably attracted the attention of rival clubs. Poryadin is off to Spartak, while Vorobyov joins Avtomobilist. In return, Neftekhimik acquired youngsters Artyom Serikov and Dmitry Zlodeyev — more raw material for Leontyevto refine. Neftekhimik also made a qualifying offer for Avto forward Dmitry Zhukenov, which was not matched by the Motormen.
Other notable departures include Ansel Galimov, who followed Poryadin to Spartak, and Vyacheslav Leshchenko, who moves to Salavat Yulaev.
