KHABAROVSK, Russia (Interstat) — The Amur Khabarovsk Tigers, defying pregame projections, secured a 3-1 victory over Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup Tuesday night at Platinum Arena. The win gave Amur a two-game sweep of the back-to-back series after also winning 3-2 on Sunday.

Despite statistical models favoring the visitors, Amur’s special teams and timely scoring proved decisive. The game was a penalty-filled affair that saw Amur capitalize on key opportunities while limiting Neftekhimik to just 18 shots on goal.

Amur goaltender Maxim Dorozhko, listed at 6-foot-2 and 209 pounds, was credited with the win, turning aside 17 of those 18 shots. His steady presence allowed his team to weather early pressure.

The Tigers opened the scoring midway through the first period. Defenseman Ivan Mishchenko, who finished with two assists, set up forward Kirill Slepets for his 10th goal of the season at the 8:08 mark, giving Amur a 1-0 lead.

That lead doubled in the second period when forward Andrei Krutov netted his first goal of the campaign at 24:58, an unassisted effort that put Amur firmly in control.

Neftekhimik, which saw its record fall to 30 wins and 32 losses, finally broke through on Dorozhko early in the third period. At 46:22, Nikita Artamonov scored his second goal of the season, with Damir Zhafyarov assisting, to cut the deficit to 2-1 and briefly shift momentum.

The game then descended into a series of penalties, with four infractions called between the 50:23 and 52:36 marks of the third period. Amidst the disjointed play, Amur sealed the victory on the power play. With Neftekhimik’s Bulat Shafigullin serving an interference minor, Yaroslav Likhachyov scored a crucial goal at 54:24. Mishchenko recorded his second helper of the night on the play, with Yegor Voronkov adding an assist. Likhachyov’s 21st goal of the year restored Amur’s two-goal cushion.

Neftekhimik goaltender Filipp Dolganov, 5-foot-10 and 168 pounds, was saddled with the loss despite a strong 27-save performance on 30 shots. His teammate, defenseman Joseph Duszak, took a first-period cross-checking penalty.

The victory improved Amur’s season record to 23 wins and 37 losses. The result was a reversal of fortune from pregame analytics; Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 3-2 Amur win, but its ELO rating system had given Neftekhimik a 55 percent probability to win.

The game concluded with matching roughing penalties at the final buzzer, underscoring a physical contest between the Eastern Conference rivals.

Amur looks to continue its momentum Thursday when it begins a two-game home set against Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Neftekhimik, now winless in three straight, travels to face Admiral Vladivostok on Thursday for the start of a two-game road series.