Dinamo Minsk end homestand with win against Metallurg Novokuznetsk

Dinamo Minsk used goals from Alexander Kulakov, Nick Bailen, Sergei Drozd and Dmitry Meleshko along with strong work from rookie goalie Danny Taylor to defeat Metallurg Novokuznetsk 4-1 at Minsk Arena on Sunday.

Ukrainian forward Alexander Materukhin was cheered by the 14,100-strong home crowd on 2 November as he made his return to Dinamo Minsk. The Ukrainian player was called from Shakhter Soligorsk farm club and took the place in the first line making up for injured Jonathan Cheechoo.

Danny Taylor made his debut for the Belarusian club on Sunday. He produced 25 saves making his contribution to the victory.

Although it were the guests who opened the score late in the opening period, the Bisons changed the game completely after the first break. The Minskers capitalized on two powerplays and scored one more in full strength. Dmitry Meleshko added the fourth in the final stanza.

Dinamo Minsk completed a four-game homestand with three wins (over Admiral Vladivostok, Amur Khabarovsk, Metallurg Novokuznetsk) and one loss against Sibir Novosibirsk that snapped Dinamo's five-game winning streak on 1 November.

With 43 points after 23 games Dinamo Minsk is currently fifth in the West.

The Bisons are set for a six-game trip that will include games against Amur (5 November), Admiral (7 November), Jokerit (12 November), Dinamo Riga (14 November). SKA Saint Petersburg (17 November), and Medvescak Zagreb (19 November).