Kontinental hockey league clash at CSKA Arena ends with visitor victory
On November 27, the regular KHL season brought a highly anticipated game to Moscow as Lokomotiv Yaroslavl traveled to CSKA Arena to face CSKA. The visitors seized a 3-2 win in a tightly contested affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats from opening faceoff to final horn. The arena hummed with energy as both teams pushed for prime positioning in the Western Conference standings, underscoring the league’s depth and competitive balance.
The opening minutes produced a quick test for both teams. Lokomotiv struck first, with Alexander Polunin burying a shot just 2 minutes and 13 seconds into the game, signaling Lokomotiv’s intent to press early. The guests extended their lead in the 15th minute when Maxim Berezkin found the net, tightening the gap and shifting the momentum toward the visiting side. CSKA answered before the second period bell, mounting a comeback with two goals that flipped the scoreboard. Pavel Karnaukhov and Andrey Svetlakov each found the back of the net in the middle frame, enabling CSKA to reclaim control and set the stage for a dramatic final period.
The third period saw Lokomotiv seize a command moment as Artur Kayumov led a power-play opportunity for the team, with Berezkin again assisting to help set up the forward for a crucial scoring chance. The tactical chess match continued as both teams defended with purpose and created opportunities, but the final tally favored Lokomotiv, who held on through tense late-game sequences to seal the victory on the road.
With this result, Lokomotiv moved into third place in the KHL Western Conference with 46 points, showcasing their consistency and ability to close out tight games. CSKA, despite the loss, remained firmly in playoff contention in sixth place with 40 points, reflecting a resilient start to the campaign and the ongoing effort to climb the standings through the back half of the season.
Looking ahead, Lokomotiv is scheduled to play Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod on November 29, a matchup that will test their form against a club with a storied history and recent success. The same day, CSKA is slated to square off against Dinamo Minsk, a meeting that could influence playoff positioning and confidence as teams navigate a crowded conference landscape.
In related news, it was noted in prior reports that Ak Bars signed a contract with a veteran player with experience in the NHL, adding depth and leadership to their roster as the season progresses. This development reflects the ongoing strategy among top clubs to bolster lineups through smart acquisitions and to balance talent with team chemistry as the league intensifies its schedule.