MOSCOW (Interstat) — Goaltender Alexander Samonov stopped all 43 shots he faced to backstop CSKA Moscow to a 2-0 victory over city rival Spartak Moscow in a Kontinental Hockey League match on Thursday afternoon at Luzhniki Minor Arena.

The shutout performance, Samonov’s first of the season, was the cornerstone of a defensive masterclass by the visiting Army Men, who weathered a relentless Spartak attack to claim the capital derby. The win improved CSKA’s record across all competitions to 29 wins and 25 losses, while Spartak fell to 28-26.

The game’s outcome defied pregame projections. Interstat’s ELO system had given Spartak a 52.6 percent probability to win, and its game simulator had predicted a 4-3 final score.

CSKA seized control early with two quick first-period goals. Dmitry Buchelnikov opened the scoring just over two minutes into the game, converting a feed from Prokhor Poltapov at the 2:03 mark for his 11th goal of the season. Shortly after a Spartak penalty, Maxim Sorkin doubled the lead at 5:43, finishing another setup from Poltapov, who recorded his second assist of the night.

From there, the game became a showcase for Samonov. The 6-foot, 161-pound netminder was tested heavily, particularly as CSKA’s discipline wavered. The visitors took five minor penalties in the contest, including four in the third period alone. A slashing major to Nikita Okhotyuk with 4:16 remaining in the game forced CSKA to kill a five-minute penalty to preserve the shutout.

Spartak’s Alexander Georgiyev made 23 saves on 25 shots in the losing effort. His team generated significant pressure, outshooting CSKA 43-25, but could not solve Samonov. Spartak defensemen Dmitry Vishnevsky and Andrei Mironov were active in the offensive zone, with Vishnevsky registering four shots on goal.

The victory extends CSKA’s recent dominance in the head-to-head series. CSKA has now won three straight against Spartak, including 2-1 decisions on Jan. 11 and Dec. 28 of this season. It also marks CSKA’s fourth consecutive win overall, continuing a positive run of form.

CSKA’s penalty kill, which successfully navigated all six Spartak power plays, was a decisive factor. Key defensive efforts came from forwards like Denis Zernov, who recorded four hits, and Pavel Karnaukhov.

Spartak, coming off a 3-2 loss to Dynamo Moscow on Tuesday, has now dropped two straight. The team’s inability to capitalize on its significant shot advantage and numerous power-play chances proved costly.

CSKA next faces Red Star Kunlun on the road Sunday. Spartak will look to rebound at home against Dinamo Minsk, also on Sunday.