12 September 2024
The Dragons are on the rails in their upcoming games. Week two brings a visit from Lokomotiv, 2024’s beaten finalist, before we steam into the East. That big road trip takes in Amur, Admiral and Sibir.
Lokomotiv (h), Sep. 12, 1930 Moscow Time
Last season: In four meetings, the Dragons could not manage a win against Lokomotiv. However, three of those games were decided by a single-goal margin and only once did we suffer a blow-out. Historically, we’ve found life tough against Loko, with just four wins in 19 encounters. But this is a new season, and a chance to start improving that record.
Familiar faces: None
Setting the scene: Consistency was the watchword for Lokomotiv last season, and Igor Nikitin’s team are doing it again this term. Noted for disciplined defensive play, the Railwaymen have allowed just two goals this season and Daniil Isayev recorded back-to-back shut-outs against Lada and SKA. That has Loko top of the standings with three wins from three (a record we would share had we been able to hold onto our lead against Severstal). Those wins include an Opening Cup success at Metallurg, bringing the curtain-raising prize to Yaroslavl for the first time at the third attempt. Ominously, perhaps, big summer signings Alexander Radulov and Byron Froese have not scored heavily so far. The pair got their first points of the season with assists in the 2-0 win over SKA, which might be a warning to the rest of the KHL.
Amur (a), Sep. 15, 1030 Moscow Time
Last season: We played Amur twice, both back in Sep. 2023. The first game, in Khabarovsk, brought a shoot-out win after Zak Leslie’s late goal earned a 1-1 tie in regulation. At home, we suffered a 0-2 loss.
Familiar faces: The Dragons’ top scorer last season, Devin Brosseau, joined Amur in the summer after setting a KRS record for points in a single campaign. On defense, Viktor Baldayev is also well-known to Red Star fans after his spell with us in 2020/21. In our ranks, the fire-breathing Dragon Nail Yakupov had a short time with Amur in 2020/21, playing 15 games and scoring 7 (1+6) points before moving to Avangard.
Setting the scene: This is Amur’s first home game of the season. The opening road trip started slowing: the Tigers failed to score in their opening two appearances, losing in Minsk and Balashikha. Such a shot-shy start was a surprise. Amur added some impressive firepower in the summer, with the capture of former…
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