NIZHNEKAMSK, Russia (Interstat) — HC Sochi delivered a surprising road victory Thursday, defeating Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk 5-3 in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup at SCC Arena. The result defied statistical projections that heavily favored the home team.

Sochi built a three-goal lead through two periods with scores from Anton Malyshev, Daniil Seroukh and Matvei Guskov. Neftekhimik rallied in the third with goals from Timur Khairullin and Alexander Dergachyov, cutting the deficit to one. Andrei Belozyorov brought Neftekhimik within 4-3 late, but Sochi defenseman Vasily Machulin sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute.

Sochi improved to 15-36 across all competitions, while Neftekhimik fell to 28-27. The teams split their two-game season series.