On March 13, 2025, at the Fetisov Arena in Vladivostok, the Kazakhstani hockey team Barys pulled off a stunning comeback against Admiral, winning 5:4 after initially trailing by three goals. This thrilling match was part of the Fonbet KHL Championship, showcasing the resilience of Barys as they navigated one of the most challenging situations witnessed in the league.
The match began unfavorably for Barys, as they quickly fell behind 0:3 against Admiral. The first period saw Admiral taking control early, with Libor Shulak netting the first goal just 2:30 minutes in, followed by efforts from Dzhiek Rodwald and Pavel Shen, culminating with the score at 3:0 by the end of the period. For the home team, the assists from Arkadiy Shestakov were particularly noted, with his first two initial assists setting the tone for Admiral's advantage.
Despite the discouraging start, Barys rallied in the second period, with Alikhan Omirkbekov scoring the first goal for them at 26:51, reducing the deficit to 3:1. Soon after, Adil Beketaev managed to score another goal, bringing the energy back to the Barys players and setting the stage for their most formidable challenges of the evening.
Continuing their momentum, Barys scored three consecutive goals within the third period. Mikhail Rakhmanov added to the tally at 48:56, making it 4:3 for Admiral, and Beketaev capitalized on his previous performance by tying the game with just 36 seconds remaining, making it 4:4 and forcing the match to overtime.
Overtime saw Admiral pressing hard, outshooting Barys 10-1, but unable to convert their chances. The match ended without any goals scored during this extra time, leading to the decisive shootout.
During the shootout, it was Barys’s Roman Starchenko who clinched victory with his winning shot, sealing the score at 5:4. This remarkable comeback not only secured two important points for Barys but also left Admiral's players and fans feeling dejected as they reflected on what could have been.
After the match, Barys coach Galym Mambetaliev shared insights on the game. "We warned the players about the opponent being on the move, playing well on counterattacks and power plays. We took two penalties, conceded two goals. The second period felt like the team was asleep; we had to wake them up. We started playing the hockey we ask for, started to press the advantage, and succeeded," he noted with relief at his team's determination to fight back.
Leonid Tambiev, the head coach for Admiral, had mixed feelings about the outcome. "We shot ourselves in the foot again. The whole game was not cohesive. There were good moments mixed with bad actions,” he lamented, pointing out the missed chances and lack of effective collaboration during the pivotal moments of the game.
The statistics from the match also reflect the competitive nature of the event. Barys made 69 shots against Admiral's 61, with both teams managing to score four goals during regulation time. This matchup featured incredible tenacity and skill from all players involved.
Looking forward, Admiral is set to face Lokomotiv on March 17, 2025, hoping to reclaim their footing in the league, where they currently sit seventh with 68 points. On the other side, Barys will take on Amur on March 15, 2025, as they aim to build upon this monumental win. With 35 points, Barys remains in the twelfth spot, but this victory may pen the start of their ascendance within the standings.
This thrilling game serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of hockey, where the tides of battle can shift dramatically. Barys's victory over Admiral not only fuels their hopeful campaign but also reinvigorates their fanbase, eager for more spectacular performances on the ice.