Slavutich Smolensk won the Salei Cup opener 4-2 over Khimik-SKA Novopolotsk, decided in regulation. The home side seized control with a three-goal third period after the teams entered the final frame tied 1-1.
Slavutich opened the scoring in the first period to lead 1-0 after 20 minutes. Khimik-SKA answered in the second to make it 1-1 through two periods. In the third, Slavutich pushed ahead with three goals while allowing one, closing out the 4-2 victory.
The decisive stretch was the third period, where Slavutich outscored Khimik-SKA 3-1 to turn a stalemate into a two-goal win. The balanced attack was enough to secure the regulation result.