Mogilev vs Novopolotsk

Novik's shorthanded equaliser at 49:24. Mogilev had controlled much of the middle period and carried a 2-1 lead into the third. When they failed to convert on their own power play and instead conceded a goal while on the man advantage, the momentum flipped entirely. Khimik grew in confidence, while Mogilev — who had already lost all four prior group matches — visibly sagged.

• Airat Murzin (Novopolotsk): A goal and an assist, including the game-winner with one second left on the clock. Composed under pressure and decisive when it mattered most.
• Dmitri Kolgotin (Mogilev): Scored twice — once on the power play and once at even strength — and was the primary offensive threat for the hosts. His brace looked set to earn Mogilev their first points of the tournament until the final-seconds collapse.
• Mikhei Novik (Novopolotsk): Scored the crucial shorthanded equaliser and assisted on Aksenov's leveller. His two-point night turned the game.
• Georgiy Anarkulov (Novopolotsk): Made 34 saves from 36 shots faced, including several key stops in the third period that kept his team within reach.

Player of the Match: Airat Murzin

The shot totals reflect clear territorial dominance: Khimik outshot Mogilev 54-36, a 60-40 split in shot share. Novopolotsk's pressure was heaviest in the first period (13-4) and sustained in the third. Despite facing 54 shots, Kropova posted a .944 save percentage (51 saves on 54 shots), keeping his team in the game far longer than the scoreline suggests.

Mogilev took five minor penalties to Khimik's three, putting themselves under unnecessary pressure. Yet it was Mogilev who scored the only power-play goal (1/3), while Khimik managed a shorthanded goal — a net swing of two goals on special teams.

Attendance was 1,320 at the Mogilev Ice Sports Palace, as reported by belarushockey.com.

Mogilev remain bottom of Group B with 0 points from five matches, having lost all five group-stage games. With a goal difference of 4 scored and 16 conceded, they are already eliminated from contention. Novopolotsk move to 2 points from four games, keeping their slim qualification hopes alive.

Mogilev next face Lokomotiv Orsha away on 23 August. Novopolotsk host Gomel on 18 August in a must-win fixture.

A tale of two halves: Mogilev were organised and effective in the second period, taking a deserved lead through Kolgotin's brace. But a shorthanded goal changed everything. Novopolotsk grew, Mogilev shrank, and Murzin's last-gasp winner was a cruel but fair reflection of the visitors' overall territorial dominance. Five losses from five is a brutal reality check for Mogilev.