NOVOSIBIRSK, Russia (Interstat) — The Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk offense erupted for five unanswered goals, defying pregame projections and overwhelming the Sibir Novosibirsk in a 5-2 Kontinental Hockey League victory on Wednesday night at Ice Sports Palace Sibir.

Entering the contest as slight underdogs according to Interstat’s projections, which gave Sibir a 52% probability to win, Neftekhimik flipped the script with a relentless attack. The win improved Neftekhimik’s season record to 28 wins and 25 losses across all competitions, while Sibir fell to 23-32.

The visitors seized control in a dominant first period. Just past the midway point, at the 8:32 mark, Alexei Yakovlev gave Sibir an early lead with his sixth goal of the season, assisted by Ivan Klimovich. Neftekhimik’s response was swift and decisive. Late in the period, during four-on-four action, German Tochilkin netted his 13th of the season at 17:43, converting passes from Fyodor Kroshchinsky and Danila Kvartalnov to tie the game.

Neftekhimik carried that momentum into a second-period barrage. Nikita O. Popugayev gave his team its first lead just 2:16 into the middle frame, scoring his second goal with helpers from Nikita Khlystov and Kvartalnov. Less than six minutes later, at 27:44, Bulat Shafigullin capitalized on a play, firing home his seventh goal off assists from Luka Profaca and Khlystov.

The onslaught continued just 17 seconds later. On the ensuing power play, Evgeny Mityakin buried his team-leading 16th goal at 28:01, with Damir Zhafyarov and Andrei Belozyorov providing the setup. Neftekhimik capped its five-goal run at 36:29 when Zhafyarov scored his ninth, with Belozyorov and Alexander Dergachyov earning assists, stretching the lead to 5-1.

Sibir showed a flicker of life in the third period. Chase Evans Priskie scored a power-play goal at 42:15, his third of the season, from Anton Kosolapov and Taylor Beck to cut the deficit to three. However, Neftekhimik goaltender Filipp Dolganov shut the door the rest of the way, finishing with 25 saves on 27 shots to secure the victory.

Neftekhimik’s offensive depth was on full display. Zhafyarov led the way with a goal and an assist, while Kvartalnov and Khlystov each contributed two assists. The defense, anchored by Kroshchinsky, limited Sibir’s chances for most of the night. Discipline was an issue for the home team, as Sibir accrued six minor penalties to Neftekhimik’s three.

The result marked a reversal of fortune from the teams’ previous meeting on Jan. 17, also in Novosibirsk, which Neftekhimik won 3-1. Neftekhimik will look to build on this performance when they host SKA Saint Petersburg on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Sibir aims to regroup at home against HC Sochi on the same date. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Nizhnekamsk on Sunday, Feb. 22.