Published: 7 September, 2009, 14:04
Edited: 7 September, 2009, 14:04
With just a few days left before the start of the second KHL (Continental Hockey League) season, Spartak seem to be the most fine-tuned side among Moscow clubs.
The Red-and-Whites will be keen to prove their dominance over their local rivals in the Mayor's Cup pre-season tournament.
A defeat by CSKA on a shoot-out, followed by a 3:1 win over Dynamo is how Spartak entered their latest Mayor’s Cup clash against Krylia Sovietov, a team representing the league immediately below the KHL.
The gulf in class was evident as the Red-and-Whites showed that they have not forgotten where the net is.
Having scored four goals in the first period, Spartak didn’t take their foot off the pedal, adding five more in the second, and three in the final third.
The only blip for head coach Milosh Rziga was that Krylia managed to net half a dozen goals when the Moscow city men tired a little towards the end, 13-6.
A win is still a win, and the result meant that three teams could still be crowned tournament champs heading into the last game – a big derby clash between CSKA and Dynamo.
It was the Armymen who started things off. After eight minutes, the poised Dmitry Monya scored with a flawless wrist shot – but the Blue-and-Whites were quick to level matters, thanks to Dmitry Vorobiev.
Just a few minutes later, CSKA had restored their lead on the counter-attack, with Aleksandr Nikulin putting the Armymen's hands back on the trophy by the end of the first period.
However, last year's KHL semi-finalists Dynamo also have thoughts of glory this season and duly replied with three goals in succession.
The Armymen were knocked down but not out, as Konstantin Kasyanchuk closed the gap to the narrowest of margins – 4:3.
Sadly, that was how the game ended up for CSKA, who were unable to force it into overtime with a tie.
The score meant joy for Spartak, who won the cup, leaving Dynamo, CSKA and Krylia Sovietov to lick their wounds.
However, there is plenty of time for revenge with the eight-month KHL season just a around the corner.