Dynamo Moscow have gone top of the KHL’s Western Conference, following a narrow 2-1 home victory over SKA St. Petersburg.
The hosts opened midway through the first period. Artyom Chernov managed a brilliant solo in SKA’s area, easily beating their defense and finding the back of the net, 1-0.
It the second period, the Muscovites doubled their lead through captain Aleksey Kudashov, who left keeper Ilya Ezhov no chance with his precise shot from close range, 2-0.
Three minutes later, the visitors had a chance of a massive “five on three” powerplay, which was successfully converted by Tony Mortenson, 2-1. But that was all the visitors could achieve on the night.
NHL star Aleksandr Ovechkin, who began his career with Dynamo, was in the stands to witness his former team’s victory.
“We once again suffered from the lack of killer instinct,” Oleg Znarok, Dynamo’s coach said. “If we’d scored more in the first half, we could’ve avoided the nervous ending. We’re all waiting for a breakthrough – we create plenty of chances, but just can’t take advantage of them. But the guys still did pretty well and I congratulate them on winning.”
Dynamo have taken the lead in the Western Conference having 18 points after 10 games, but their namesakes from Dymano Minsk are just a point behind.
Meanwhile, surprise package Amur Khabarovsk are sitting on top in the East.