Salavat Yulaev 2, at Severstal 1

CHEREPOVETS, Russia (Interstat) — In a result that defied pregame projections, Salavat Yulaev Ufa capitalized on early opportunities and weathered a persistent attack to edge Severstal Cherepovets 2-1 in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup Thursday afternoon at Ice Palace. The victory provided a vital road win for Salavat Yulaev, which entered the contest with a 15-21 record and was given only a 44 percent chance to win by statistical models. Severstal, a strong home side now 24-13, was projected to win comfortably but instead saw its offense stifled after an early response. The visitors from Ufa struck quickly, setting the… Read more...