Sputnik Almetievsk vs Reaktor

Reaktor's first-period blitz — two goals in the opening 13 minutes — set the tone. Sputnik never recovered from conceding early, and the power-play goal from Shimf early in the third period snuffed out any chance of a second-half revival. The 3-0 scoreline after 45 minutes reflected the visitors' superiority at even strength and on the man advantage.

Timur Makarov (Reaktor) — The standout performer of the match. Makarov registered three primary assists (on goals by Berezin, Sayapov and Shimf), orchestrating Reaktor's attack from the forward line with vision and precision.

Artyom Berezin (Reaktor) — A goal and an assist in the first period. His finish at 5:08 set the tone, and his involvement in the second goal demonstrated his all-around contribution.

V. Safonov (Sputnik Almetievsk) — Sputnik's only goalscorer. His strike at 56:16 was a rare moment of quality for the home side and briefly gave them a platform to push for more.

Player of the match: Timur Makarov (Reaktor)

The scoreline does not flatter Reaktor. They built a 2-0 lead in the first period, added a power-play goal early in the third, and never looked vulnerable. Sputnik's solitary goal came with under four minutes remaining, too late to alter the outcome. Reaktor's attacking trio of Makarov, Berezin and Sayapov combined for three of the four goals, underlining the visitors' cohesive forward play. The power-play conversion by Shimf was a particular highlight — it came at a crucial juncture, just minutes into the final period, and effectively killed the contest as a spectacle.

This was a pre-season friendly for both MHL sides, so the result carries no competitive weight. However, Reaktor will take confidence from a composed performance against a familiar opponent — they have now won 25 of 44 meetings between the clubs dating back to 2016. Sputnik, who have won 19, will want to sharpen their defensive structure before the MHL regular season resumes. The two sides are scheduled to meet again in competitive MHL action later in the year.

Reaktor were the sharper, more organised side from the opening face-off. Makarov's creativity was the difference, and the visitors' ability to score in the first and third periods without reply until the final four minutes speaks to defensive discipline. Sputnik have work to do before the season proper begins.