Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk took control early and never let go, beating HC Sochi 5-1 in regulation. The home side built a multi-goal lead by the second period and cruised through the third to close out the win.
Nikita Khlystov opened the scoring at 8:00 with help from Timur Khairullin. Damir Zhafyarov doubled the lead at 28:00 off an assist from Andrei Al. Belozyorov, and Rafael Bikmullin made it 3-0 at 30:00. Sochi got one back at 55:00, but Neftekhimik answered immediately at 56:00 and added another at 59:00 to seal the 5-1 result.
Neftekhimik's offense was spread across all three periods, with the second-period surge proving decisive. They held a 3-0 edge after two, then responded instantly when Sochi finally broke through, finishing with three goals in the final frame.
