Outpoll | SKA loses 7 of 9, falls to Neftekhimik in shootout.

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SKA loses 7 of 9, falls to Neftekhimik in shootout.

SKA loses 7 of 9, falls to Neftekhimik in shootout.

1 day ago7 min read11 comments

The narrative unfolding for SKA St. Petersburg is one that would be almost unbelievable if it weren't so starkly reflected in the league table, a story of a titan seemingly losing its way.In a performance that felt emblematic of their recent struggles, the team of coach Igor Larionov suffered a gut-wrenching 2:3 shootout defeat at home to Neftekhimik in the FONBET KHL, a result that cements a deeply concerning trend of seven losses in their last nine outings. This isn't just a minor slump; it's a full-blown crisis for a club with championship aspirations, a situation reminiscent of a legendary football side like Barcelona, blessed with individual talent but suddenly unable to translate that into collective, winning performances.The statistics are damning: with only 16 points from 15 matches, SKA clings precariously to the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, a mere two points ahead of their historic rivals, CSKA Moscow. The game itself was a microcosm of their season—a tale of missed opportunities and cruel twists of fate.After having two potential go-ahead goals controversially disallowed following video reviews in the third period, a moment that would test the mental fortitude of any squad, SKA appeared to have been handed a reprieve, only to see Neftekhimik's Korotky snatch a dramatic equalizer with just 33 seconds remaining in regulation, sucking the life out of the St. Petersburg arena and forcing an overtime that ultimately led to the shootout defeat.This late collapse speaks volumes about a potential fragility in the team's psyche, a lack of the cold, closing instinct that defines champions. For Neftekhimik, coached by Igor Grishin, this was a monumental character win, snapping their own five-game losing streak and catapulting them to 6th in the Eastern Conference with 17 points from 16 games, a testament to their resilience.The broader context, however, belongs to SKA. One must analyze this through the lens of roster construction and tactical philosophy.Under Larionov, known for his creative, offensive-minded play from his own legendary career, is there a disconnect between his vision and the personnel at his disposal? Are the players executing the system, or is the system failing to maximize the players' strengths? The comparison to a football team struggling with a high-press system without the requisite fitness levels is apt; the intention is clear, but the execution is faltering under pressure. Furthermore, the goaltending and defensive reliability must come under intense scrutiny.Conceding a goal in the dying moments is less a tactical failure and more a breakdown in game management and sheer will—the hockey equivalent of a top football team conceding from a set-piece in stoppage time. The possible consequences are severe: a prolonged absence from the playoff picture would be unthinkable for an organization of SKA's stature and budget, likely triggering significant changes, not just in the locker room but potentially behind the bench.The pressure on Larionov is now immense, his professorial approach being questioned by the raw, unforgiving numbers of the standings. As they look ahead, SKA must find a way to rediscover their identity, to play with the confidence of past champions, because the current trajectory suggests a team searching for answers it simply cannot find, a stark lesson that in sports, as in life, past glory guarantees nothing in the present.