MYTISHCHI, Russia (Interstat) — In a dramatic finish that defied pregame projections, the Shanghai Dragons scored a last-second power-play goal to defeat Dinamo Minsk 3-2 in a Kontinental Hockey League game on Thursday.

With just 59 seconds remaining in regulation, the Dragons capitalized on a crucial penalty to secure the victory before a home crowd at Municipal‘nyj Stadion Stroitel‘.

The game’s conclusion was a stunning reversal of fortune. Dinamo Minsk, which entered the contest with a 66.2 percent probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, was assessed a critical penalty for Abuse of Officials and Unsportsmanlike Conduct with 1:10 left on the clock. The infraction by Daniil Sotishvili gave Shanghai a late power play.

The Dragons needed only 11 seconds to convert. At the 59:01 mark, forward Borna Rendulic netted his fifth goal of the season, with assists from defenseman Adam Clendening and Nick Merkley, breaking a 2-2 tie. The goal came just moments before the final horn, sealing the victory for the home team.

The contest was a penalty-filled affair, with Shanghai spending significant time short-handed. The Dragons were assessed seven minor penalties, including two to forward Austin Wagner for hooking and tripping. Dinamo Minsk was charged with three minors, with Sotishvili’s late infraction proving most costly.

Shanghai’s penalty kill unit was instrumental in the victory, successfully neutralizing all of Dinamo Minsk’s power-play opportunities. The defensive effort, led by blueliners Jake Bischoff, Vladislav Valentsov, Joseph Duszak, Adam Clendening, Will Reilly and Doyle Somerby, held firm despite being frequently undermanned.

The game began with Dinamo Minsk controlling play, but Shanghai struck first. After killing off two early penalties, the Dragons scored twice in the final two minutes of the opening period. Gage Quinney started the rally with his fourth goal at 18:16, assisted by Rendulic and Merkley. Just 1:24 later, Nick Merkley capitalized on a power play, netting his seventh of the year to tie the game after Dinamo Minsk’s Vadim Moroz was sent off for boarding.

Dinamo Minsk responded in the second period. Defenseman Nicolas Meloche scored his first goal of the season at 22:40, cutting the deficit to one with an assist from Xavier Ouellet. Later in the period, Ilya Usov tied the game at 2-2 with his second goal, assisted again by Ouellet and goaltender Zach Fucale.

The third period was a tense, defensive struggle until the final minute, when Sotishvili’s penalty set the stage for Rendulic’s game-winner. The Dragons were immediately penalized for cross-checking after the goal, but with less than a second remaining, the outcome was already decided.

The victory improves Shanghai’s record to eight wins and five losses, while Dinamo Minsk falls to five wins and four losses. The result was a narrow miss for Interstat’s game simulator, which had projected a 4-3 Shanghai victory.

Shanghai’s next game is on Oct. 16 against Dynamo Moscow. Dinamo Minsk continues its road trip on Oct. 11 against SKA Saint Petersburg.