SOCHI, Russia (Interstat) — HC Sochi earned a 2-1 victory over Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in Kontinental Hockey League action Saturday at Bolshoy Ice Dome. Goaltender Pavel Khomchenko anchored the win with 38 saves.

Timur Khairullin gave Neftekhimik an early lead just 1:17 into the game. Sochi responded with two second-period goals to secure the result. Max Ellis tied the game at 11:08 of the middle frame, and Pavel Dedunov netted the decisive goal at 15:01.

The win improves Sochi’s record to 12-25 across all competitions. Neftekhimik fell to 20-22. The outcome defied a pregame statistical projection that heavily favored the visiting team.