Salavat Yulaev suffer first defeat of 2026

After a five-game winning streak, Salavat Yulaev suffered its first defeat of 2026. The Ufa side lost 2–6 away to Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg.

A controversial refereeing decision early in the first period proved to be a key moment of the game. The officials ruled a stick foul on the goaltender and disallowed a Salavat Yulaev goal. Jack Rodewald was sent to the penalty box for two minutes, and the power play was converted just 40 seconds later.

Ufa's backup goaltender, Ilya Konovalov, who had previously played only two games, conceded two more quick goals by the middle of the period. The first period ended with the home team holding a three-goal advantage.

Overall, the Ufa team controlled the puck more and attacked more aggressively, but scored only on the power play. In the 38th minute, Egor Suchkov received a pass from behind the net from Danil Alalykin and fired an accurate shot from the slot past Yevgeny Alikin. Shortly after, both teams were penalized, and playing four-on-four, Avtomobilist restored its three-goal lead before the break.

The third period began with a quick goal by the hosts. Later, Salavat Yulaev earned a two-man advantage and capitalized on it: Sheldon Rempal took the initiative, drove toward the net, and found space between the post and Alikin's pad. In the middle of the period, the Ufa side again took several penalties but managed to defend solidly. At even strength, the Yekaterinburg team scored its sixth goal eight minutes before the final buzzer.

In their next game on January 20, Salavat Yulaev will face Avangard in Ufa.