Traktor Chelyabinsk delivered one of the most impressive performances of the season on March 2, 2025, with a resounding 8-0 victory against Barys Astana at the Traktor Ice Arena. This match was not just another game; it underlined Traktor's dominance and their aspirations for success in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
The home team started strong, setting the tone from the very first minutes of the match. Vitaly Kravtsov opened the scoring just 3 minutes and 46 seconds in with a precise finish after combining beautifully with Andrew Svetlakov. The momentum continued just two minutes later when Semen Der-Arguchintsev extended the lead to two with his goal, assisted by Grigory Dronov and Charles Robinson. Kravtsov struck again later, giving him two goals within the first period and marking his 98th career goal for Traktor, just two away from becoming the club's all-time leading scorer.
The onslaught continued unabated. Barys struggled to contain the aggressive play from Traktor, who found the back of the net once again before the first period ended, courtesy of Mikhail Rolyghizer. By the end of the first period, Traktor was leading 4-0, and it was clear they were aiming for the jugular.
The second period mirrored the first, as Traktor scored another two goals, demonstrating their offensive prowess. Alexander Kadeikin, who would later become the game’s standout player, scored his first goal of the match early in the second period, finishing off another brilliant pass from Maxim Shabanov. Shabanov himself added to his tally, capitalizing on another opportunity shortly after Kadeikin's goal.
Kadeikin, who would go on to complete his hat trick, exhibited remarkable skill and timing as he netted his first goal just 21 seconds after the opening of the second period. The Traktor crowd was on their feet, cheering as their team continued to exhibit exceptional teamwork and tactical execution.
“We are very pleased. Eight goals scored is very good for confidence. It's important to take opponents from the bottom of the table seriously and play confidently,” said Benua Gru, the head coach of Traktor, reflecting on his team's dominant display.
By the time the third period rolled around, Traktor was still dictifying the pace, but the notable highlight was Kadeikin's performance, who once again found the net with less than 30 seconds remaining, solidifying his hat trick. Shabanov, demonstrating his playmaking abilities, assisted on multiple goals, finishing the match with 5 points (1 goal and 4 assists).
Throughout the game, Zak Fukale, the Traktor goalie, battled to maintain his clean sheet, stopping 24 shots and earning his ninth shutout of the season, which has made him the league leader – quite the feat!
“It was important for us to start strong and set good speeds from the beginning. The first period ended at 4-0, which defined the outcome,” noted Kadeikin after the match, emphasizing the importance of their aggressive start.
This victory has not only set the tone for the rest of Traktor's season but also marked the 40th win of the year for the team, establishing a new club record. The previous record had stood at 39 wins, from the 2011/12 season. With this win, Traktor raises its points tally to 86 and sits comfortably atop the Eastern Conference standings, with their next matchup against Severstal coming on March 8. Meanwhile, Barys remains at the bottom of the league table, suffering from their continuing struggles throughout the season.
Fans left the arena elated, as they had just witnessed one of the most memorable matches of the KHL season. With this performance, Traktor has made it evident they are aiming high, not shying away from their ambition of obtaining both conference and league titles.