Spartak 5, at Avangard 7

BALASHIKHA, Russia (Interstat) — Damir Sharipzyanov scored twice and added two assists Sunday to lead Avangard Omsk to a 7-5 victory over Spartak Moscow in a high-scoring, back-and-forth Kontinental Hockey League contest at Balashikha Arena. The home side’s defenseman was the catalyst in a dominant first-period performance that saw Avangard build a commanding lead it would never relinquish. The win improved Avangard’s record across all competitions to 21 wins and 11 losses, solidifying its position near the top of the KHL standings. Spartak, despite a hat trick from forward Ivan Morozov, fell to 18-17. Avangard stormed out of the gate,… Read more...