White bear bites harder than brown

The only change took place in Traktor's lineup as the injured Vasilchenko was benched and replaced by Klimontov.

First period
The first twenty exceeded the expectations of all hockey fans. Medvescak showed a lot of forechecking in early going, which, however, was relatively easily broken up by Traktor. Kuznetsov and Glinkin had decent chances on goal - Brust turned those shots aside. Then Vesce appeared on the crease beside Garnett, but Michael won that battle. Some time later hosts picked up needed momentum and gained a penalty shot chance. Kokuyov garnered the chance and utilized it himself. Instead of exceeding the goal margin, Traktor allowed a somewhat illogical goal; as Traktor's penalty was coming to a close, Vesce converted a solo effort into one all on the board. Traktor immediately reestablished the lead - Jan Bulis converted an accurate pass by Kuznetsov. Unfortunately, three minutes later Kuzya had to head to the locker room after getting a shoulder injury. The period ended with Garnett's pad save.

Second period
The second twenty was even more fun to watch. Medvescak began the period shorthanded, but organized a one-on-one - Bulis stopped Glumac at the very last second. However, Traktor looked fresher and, as a result, was able to extend the goal differential. First Kontiola hit the bar, then Kostitsyn hit the far corner of the net, accidentally obliterating a Medvescak player during the goal celebration. Traktor did not stop there, smelling blood like an ocean shark, or rather a polar bear. Some twenty seconds before the horn Kontiola directed a rebounded puck into the net, further increasing the goal margin.

Third period
Fireworks continued in the final stretch of the game. Osnovin cruised along the wing and hit the bar. Shortly thereafter hosts once again were given another chance at power play, and, just like earlier in the second, Petri Kontiola was the judge, jury and executioner. This goal was rather strange as the puck deflected off of Medvescak D-man into the net. Trying to save the face, Medvescak began playing in a more active fashion in an effort to retrieve a consolation goal; however, Garnett did not intend to allow more than one tonight. The last notable episode of this full package of a hockey game was a fight between Klimontov and Jessiman. Konstantin put a much bigger opponent down on the ice, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd while heading to the bad boys' box. Five one, the final score - Traktor is back in the playoffs zone and is ready to hit the road for a four-game away series.

Game details

TRAKTOR vs. MEDVESCAK – 5:1 (2:1, 2:0, 1:0)

Goals: Kokuyov, 10 (1:0 – penalty shot); Vesce (Linglet, Karle), 13 (1:1 – PP goal); Bulis (Chistov, Kuznetsov), 13 (2:1); Kostitsyn (Glinkin, Ryabykin), 37 (3:1); Kontiola (Kostitsyn, Ryabykin), 40 (4:1 – PP goal); Kontiola (Kondratyev, Bondarev), 45 (5:1 – PP goal).

TRAKTOR (Chelyabinsk)
Garnett;
Kondratyev – Bondarev, Chistov – Bulis (A) – Kuznetsov (A),
Ryabykin (C) – Klimontov, Darzins – Kontiola – Kostitsyn,
Borodkin – Katichev, Glinkin – Popov – Kokuyov,
Artamonov – Khlystov, Valeyev – Osnovin – Sayustov.

MEDVESCAK (Zagreb, Croatia)
Brust;
Letang (C) – Karle, Thomas – Murley – Cheechoo,
Katic – Wo, Linglet – Vesce (A) – Allison,
Popovic – Foster, Bjorkstrand – Murray (A) – Walker,
Jessiman – Ryan – Glumac.

PIM: 10 (2+2+6) - 10 (0+6+4).
Shots: 29 (12+11+6) - 29 (8+9+12).
Faceoffs won: 29 (14+8+7) - 28 (8+8+12).
TOI: Kontiola (20:32), Kondratyev (19:59), Glinkin (18:52) - Karle (26:03), Letang (24:22), Popovic (22:34).
PP goals: 2-1.

Referees: Jyri Rönn (Finland), Aleksandr Cherenkov (Moscow).
Linesmen: Dmitry Golovlev (Naberezhnye Chelny), Konstantin Chubykin (Moscow).

November 19, 2013. Traktor Arena, Chelyabinsk, Russia. Attendance - 7000.