Shabanov’s treble inspires Traktor’s big win. November 3 round-up

In-form Traktor posted its biggest victory of the season to stretch its winning streak to five games. A dominant display lifts Alexei Zavarukhin’s team to fourth place in the Eastern Conference. For Admiral, this was a fourth successive reverse and the 1-6 scoreline represents the worst defensive display of the season for Leonids Tambijevs’ men.

Traktor Chelyabinsk 6 Admiral Vladivostok 1 (1-0, 3-0, 2-1)

The home team had the initiative from the start. In the first period, Traktor outshot the Sailors 17-9. Not even the game’s first power paly could help Admiral. On the contrary, the visitor saw Popov go close to a short-handed goal before Maxim Shabanov scored one. He jumped onto Vladimir Tkachyov’s clearance and headed to the net where he won his duel with Sergei Ivanov.

A one-goal advantage felt like scant reward for Traktor’s dominance, but midway through the second period the scoreboard swung decisively in the home team’s favor. Shabanov got his second of the night, then within two minutes Nikita Soshnikov added a third. Tambijevs called a time-out, but Admiral could do little to stem the tide. Late in the stanza, a Traktor power play saw Tkachyov set up Shabanov for his hat-trick. The home forward scored on the power play, on the PK, and at equal strength.

The third period brought another quick burst of scoring for Traktor. Soshnikov potted his second of the game, chasing Ivanov from the net to be replaced by Pavel Khomchenko. He lasted just 28 seconds before Madison Bowey scored on him to make it 6-0. Midway through the session, Alexander Shevchenko got a consolation goal for Admiral, but the visitor was well beaten on this occasion.

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