Ak Bars were ready for this one, sitting in third spot in the league with 24 points between themselves and Dynamo.

Early on into the match the Kazan side was keen to show why there was such a gulf, but after soaking up untold pressure the Muscovites struck on the break. Karel Rakhoonek gave Dynamo the lead at the end of the first period.

Right at the start of the second Sergey Vishedkevich (34) made it two nil on a power play, but shortly after the celebrations it was the turn of Ak Bars to use the counter attack. Yuka Hentoonen made it 2-1 after an explosive turn of speed and a neat finish.

Ak Bars fans sensed their team was back in it, but their hopes were soon deflated by a moment of individual brilliance from Dynamo’s Eric Landry. From the far right he squeezed his way in front of goal and slid the puck over the line to restore Dynamo’s two goal cushion.

However, at 3-1 down Ak Bars still didn't lose heart. Aleksey Stepanov pulled one back to set up a tense final period, which started in dramatic fashion.

Dynamo's Dmitry Afanasenkov found the net while many fans were still finding their seats. Again Ak Bars responded: Danis Zaripov gave his side a life-line, and probably would've forced overtime but for the brilliance of Eremeyev in Dynamo's goal.

4-3 the final score to Dynamo.

It leaves their boss a happy man – they now sit ninth in the league with two games in hand with the top sixteen making the playoffs.