Toros Neftekamsk rode a three-goal first period to a 5-3 regulation win over SKA-Neva in the VHL. The home side led 3-1 after the opening frame and never surrendered the advantage despite two pushes from the visitors.
SKA-Neva chipped away in the second, outscoring Toros 2-1 and closing to 4-3 through 40 minutes. Toros responded early in the third, striking at 41:00 to restore a two-goal cushion that stood as the final margin.
The first period accounted for half of the night's eight goals, and that early burst proved decisive. Despite conceding two goals over the final 40 minutes, Toros finished with the game in regulation and the extra insurance tally in hand.