Dragons return home, big week for Plotnikov
China hosted top class hockey for the first time since Feb. 2020 when the KHL World Games visited Shanghai. Back in Russia, Sergei Plotnikov reached 1,000 games in the KHL and the playoff race narrowed down still further.
Goals galore in Shanghai
The KHL World Games headed to Shanghai, with the Dragons playing two games in preparation for an eventual return to China. It was the first action in the country since February 2020, and it brought 15 goals over two games. Admittedly, the first, a 2-1 victory for Sibir, was a tight affair. But the second proved a great advert for KHL hockey: an 8-4 win for Barys, featuring a hat-trick from the visitors’ Michael Vecchione and a fight. Almost 12,000 people attended the games, highlighting the potential for the Dragons to build a local audience on the franchise’s return to China.
Foo scores first
The longest serving Dragon in action in Shanghai was Parker Foo, who joined the Chinese club in 2020/2021. Although he never got to play full-time in China, he was part of the 2022 Olympic roster in Bejiing and scored China’s first goal in that tournament. He also potted the first goal in Shanghai Dragons’ history after the Kunlun Red Star franchise rebranded over the summer. He welcomed the chance to cross the Great Wall once again. “This is my first trip to Shanghai,” he said. “It’s an incredible city, I’d be absolutely thrilled to come back and play here full time. It’s an honor for me to represent this team and play in Shanghai.”
Morozov looks to China return
KHL President Alexei Morozov was also excited by what he saw in the Far East last week – and hinted that the Dragons could be close to a return home after six years playing in Mytishchi and St. Petersburg. “We delighted that Shanghai Dragons were able to play at home in Shanghai this season,” he said. “It’s an important step towards bringing the team home full time; the league and the club are working together to make this happen.
“These games were a chance to check the arena, see how everything work, get a sense of the local interest – and it’s all at a good level.”
Plotnikov’s big week
It began with a hat-trick, and ended with a game-winning contribution in his 1,000th KHL game. SKA forward Sergei Plotnikov had quite the week. He started with three goals in a crushing 7-0 victory over Barys. And there was more to come: on Saturday he became the fourth player to reach 1,000 games and assisted on a late equalizer and an overtime winner at Dynamo Moscow to mark the occasion in style.
Full circle moments
That SKA vs Barys game threw up a few odd coincidences. SKA goalie Artemy Pleshkov posted his second shut-out of the season, having previously blanked Barys in a 5-0 win in Kazakhstan. Plotnikov scored in that game as well, with Nikolai Goldobin matching his 1+1 haul. In Petersburg, Goldobin assisted on all three of Plotnikov’s goals, finishing with four assists – which called to mind Plotnikov’s previous hat-trick against Kunlun Red Star last season. On that occasion, Ivan Demidov had a hand in all three, and also finished with 0+4. And the opposing head coach? Mikhail Kravets, currently behind the bench at Barys.
Salavat Yulaev clinches playoff spot
Ufa will host post season hockey once again after Salavat Yulaev’s win at Amur. Thursday’s 3-1 verdict – with three assists from Shedon Rempal – means Viktor Kozlov’s men are the fifth qualify from the Eastern Conference. Traktor then fluffed two chances to join them, while Admiral and Barys saw their hopes mathematically ended.
Tigers close on Sibir
The ongoing storyline as the regular season comes to an end is about the race between Sibir and Amur for eighth place in the East. Despite Sibir’s success in Shanghai, this was a tough week for Yaroslav Lyuzenkov’s team and it’s lead over the Tigers is down to just three points. But Amur’s last home game is tomorrow against Barys, with four road games to follow. Sibir has the opposite schedule, going to Avangard today before finishing with four at home – albeit against tough opposition in the form of Metallurg, CSKA, SKA and Barys.
Sprong’s spring streak
Avtomobilist forward Daniel Sprong continued his fine run of form. The Dutchman extended his hot streak to eight games, with 13 (7+6) points in that sequence. The run included an assist on Semyon Kizimov’s game winner at Sprong’s former club, CSKA, then 1+1 at Dynamo as Avtomobilist enjoyed a successful visit to the capital.
