VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (Interstat) — Severstal Cherepovets erased a three-goal deficit with a stunning third-period rally to defeat Admiral Vladivostok 4-4 in a Kontinental Hockey League game Tuesday at Fetisov Arena. The game is officially recorded as a tie under KHL regulations.

The visiting Severstal squad, which entered the contest with a 64 percent probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, appeared to be headed for a decisive loss after Admiral built a commanding 4-1 lead through two periods. The comeback defied a pregame projection from Interstat that had forecast a 3-2 victory for the home team.

Admiral established control early, capitalizing on its opportunities to take a multi-goal lead into the first intermission. The home side continued its pressure in the second period, extending its advantage and seemingly putting the game out of reach.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the final frame. Severstal’s comeback began at the 16:57 mark of the third period when David Dumbadze scored his second goal of the season, with assists from Ivan Podshivalov and Danil Veryayev, cutting the deficit to 4-2.

Just over a minute later, at 17:59, Nikolai Chebykin netted his first goal of the year, assisted by Alexander Skorenov and Ioannis Kaldis, to bring Severstal within a single goal.

The pressure continued to mount, and at 30:08 of the third, Nikita Kamalov scored his third goal of the season, with helpers from Ilya Kvochko and Ilya Reingardt, to tie the game at 4-4.

The frantic finish saw Admiral regain the lead with just 31 seconds remaining in regulation when Dmitry Zavgorodny scored his first goal, assisted by Vyacheslav Osnovin and Semyon Ruchkin.

However, Severstal completed the improbable rally with one second left on the clock, as Ivan Podshivalov scored his fourth goal of the season, assisted by David Dumbadze, to force the 4-4 final.

The game was marked by disciplined play, with only six minor penalties called. Severstal was cited three times for Holding and Tripping, while Admiral was penalized for Tripping, Too Many Players on the Ice, and Roughing.

With the result, Severstal’s season record moves to 11 wins and six losses. Admiral’s record now stands at six wins and eight losses.

Severstal’s next game is on the road against Avangard Omsk on Thursday. Admiral begins a lengthy road trip, its next game is at Ak Bars Kazan on Saturday.