Almost done
02 May 2019 | Davide Tuniz - photos by Marco Bertolini
With the victory against Korea, Kazakhstan is now one step away from promotion
In the first battle between teams with perfect
record, Kazakhstan increases the chances to comeback in the Elite Division
inflicting the first defeat on Korea. As usual the crowd packing the Barys
Arena in Nur-Sultan gives a special motivation to home team, beginning the game
very aggressively and opening the score at 03:57 when Pavel Akolzin deflects a
shot from Alexei Maklyukov. Korea suffers the sparkling start of home team,
failing to use its best weapon, the rapidity. At minute 8 Dalton saves on
Orekhov while at minute 10 is Nikita Mikhalis missing the net from a good
position. At the third serious attempt, Kazakhstan double the score with Leonid
Metalnikov from the distance.

In the second period goalie Matt Dalton dives on
the puck at minute 25 avoiding the goal by Brandon Bochenski but must surrender
at 29:45 when Dmitri Shevchenko has a perfect timing deflecting a pass from
Talgat Zhailauov. Korea finally manages to create a goal chance in the third period
on powerplay, when Shin Sang Woo finds the net deflecting a long-distance shot
by Kim Hyun Soo. Too late to be a threat for Kazakhstan, that suddenly restore
the three-goals advantage with a personal move by Nikita Kleshenko, finished
with a classy wrist shot.

Korea lost a game played shyly never giving
the impression to challenge Kazakhstan. The clash with Belarus will be decisive
for Jim Paek team. Kazakhstan is near the goal. Having 2 games to complete the
journey to Elite Division
MVP: Shin Sang Hoon – Brandon Bochenski
Jim Paek: “Kazakhstan played a great game, they
play fast, control the puck very well, it’s my fault if tonight we can’t counter
effectively. we must continue to work and work smart. It’s the first defeat
after two victories so it’s not a tragedy. Kazakhstan play hockey the best way,
they play speed, skill and fast"
Andrei Skabelka: “We played well, controlling
the puck, I’m glad we win. I’m happy for Nikita Kleshenko, although he played
almost for farm team (Nomad), he’s doing very well at this level. “