On December 20, 2023, Dinamo Minsk pulled off a notable victory against Ak Bars Kazan with a score of 3-1 at Tatneft Arena. With the win, Dinamo not only boosted their standings but also showcased their ability to play effectively on the road, something Coach Dmitry Kvartalnov was quick to praise.
From the start of the match, Dinamo made their intentions clear. They scored their first goal early on during a power play, courtesy of Alexander Volkov, whose deft finish from the center of the ice set the tone for the game. The Minsk team maintained control for the majority of the first period, and by the 16th minute, they had doubled their lead with another well-coordinated attack, as Andrei Stasy found the back of the net after a setup from the right flank.
At halftime, the score stood at 2-0, leaving Ak Bars with considerable work to do if they wished to turn the game around. Although they fought hard throughout the second period, including increasing their shots on goal, the Kazan side struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.
The solitary goal for Ak Bars finally came late in the second period when Dmitry Yashkin found the net after recovering from the initial save. The goal sparked hope for the home team as they closed the gap to 2-1. Fans and players alike anticipated a comeback as the final period approached.
Despite Ak Bars stepping up their game and pressing for more goals, they were unable to convert their increased offensive effort. Instead, it was Dinamo who secured the match with another goal from Volkov, sealing the game with just seconds remaining, leaving the final score at 3-1.
Coach Kvartalnov expressed his contentment with the outcome, saying, “It’s good to win here in Kazan. A strong first period with 2-0 made the difference. The guys did well, we controlled the opponent’s moves. There were moments, but there was no catastrophe.” He confirmed the pivotal role of Vasily Demchenko, the Minsk goalkeeper, who played remarkably well. “We have good goalkeepers. Vasya played and helped us to victory,” Kvartalnov noted, emphasizing team strength overall.
The statistics highlighted Ak Bars’ significant shot total of 54 but underscored their conversion issues, with 27 shots on target compared to Dinamo’s efficient 34. The match ended with substantial attendance, noted at 7,827, displaying the fans' enthusiasm for KHL hockey.
Looking forward, Dinamo Minsk aims to build on this important victory as they move through the season, with upcoming games against challenging opponents. With victories like the one achieved against Ak Bars, there’s potential for the team to solidify their place among the playoff contenders.
