Best lacrosse heads for defense. Top Lacrosse Heads for Defense: Expert Guide to Men’s Defensive and LSM Gear

What are the best lacrosse heads for defensive players and long-stick midfielders. How do factors like durability, weight, and design impact defensive performance. Which brands and models consistently rank highest among defensemen.

Key Factors in Choosing a Defensive Lacrosse Head

When selecting a lacrosse head for defensive play, several crucial factors come into play:

• Durability – Defensive heads need to withstand frequent checks and ground balls
• Stiffness – A rigid construction helps with checks and maintaining shape
• Weight – Heavier heads provide more power but less maneuverability
• Face shape – Wider faces offer more surface area for interceptions
• Stringing options – Multiple stringing holes allow for customized pockets
• Scoop design – Affects ground ball pickup ability

Finding the right balance of these elements is key for defensemen and long-stick midfielders looking to optimize their performance.

Top Defensive Lacrosse Head Models

Based on player reviews and expert recommendations, some of the top defensive lacrosse heads include:

1. Maverik Tank
2. STX Hammer 500
3. StringKing Mark 2D
4. ECD Rebel Defense
5. Warrior Regulator Max

These models consistently rank highly for their durability, stiffness, and overall defensive performance. Let’s examine some of their key features in more detail.

Maverik Tank

The Maverik Tank lives up to its name with a robust design built for defensive dominance. Its reinforced sidewalls and thick scoop provide excellent durability for aggressive checking. The face shape offers a wide surface area for interceptions while maintaining NCAA legal dimensions.

STX Hammer 500

STX’s Hammer 500 features the brand’s Enduraform plastic for improved stiffness and longevity. The head’s design incorporates optimal string hole placement for customized defensive pockets. Its slightly pinched face allows for improved ball control when needed.

StringKing Mark 2D

The Mark 2D from StringKing boasts a unique asymmetrical design to maximize stiffness. This innovative structure helps the head maintain its shape even after repeated impacts. Multiple stringing holes offer versatile pocket options for different defensive styles.

Weight Considerations for Defensive Heads

How does head weight impact defensive play? Heavier heads generally provide more power for checks and ground balls but can reduce overall stick speed. Lighter options offer improved maneuverability but may lack durability for aggressive defensive play.

Most defensive heads fall in the 150-180 gram range. Players should consider their personal style and strength when selecting a head weight. Stronger players may prefer heavier options, while those prioritizing quickness might opt for lighter models.

Importance of Face Shape for Defensive Heads

The face shape of a defensive head can significantly impact performance. Wider faces offer more surface area for interceptions and checks but may sacrifice some ball control. Narrower options provide better handling but less defensive presence.

Many defensive heads feature a gradual taper from a wider throat to a more pinched top. This design aims to balance defensive capabilities with occasional offensive needs. Players should consider their specific role and team’s style when evaluating face shapes.

Stringing Options for Defensive Pockets

Proper stringing is crucial for optimizing a defensive head’s performance. Most high-end defensive heads offer multiple stringing holes to accommodate various pocket styles. Common defensive pocket types include:

• Mid-low pocket – Provides a good balance of hold and release
• High pocket – Offers maximum hold for ball protection
• Bag pocket – Creates a deep pocket for improved ball retention

Experienced defensive players often prefer mid-low to low pockets for improved ground ball pickup and quick releases when clearing. The specific stringing pattern can be customized to match individual preferences and playing styles.

Scoop Design for Ground Ball Performance

How does scoop design affect a defensive player’s ability to pick up ground balls? The scoop, or top rail, of a lacrosse head plays a crucial role in ground ball performance. Defensive heads often feature wider, flatter scoops to maximize the surface area contacting the ground.

Some key aspects of scoop design for defensive heads include:

• Width – Wider scoops offer more surface area for improved pickup
• Angle – A gradual scoop angle can help guide the ball into the pocket
• Texture – Some heads feature textured scoops for enhanced grip

Players should look for heads with scoops that complement their ground ball technique and field conditions they typically encounter.

Durability Factors in Defensive Heads

Defensive lacrosse heads endure significant stress from repeated checks, ground balls, and general play. What materials and design elements contribute to improved durability?

Some key durability factors include:

• Plastic composition – Many brands use proprietary blends for enhanced stiffness and impact resistance
• Sidewall design – Reinforced or thicker sidewalls can improve overall strength
• Scoop thickness – A robust scoop helps maintain shape and prevent warping
• Throat construction – A well-designed throat area resists cracking from shaft insertion

While no head is indestructible, selecting a model known for durability can significantly extend its lifespan and maintain consistent performance.

Regulations and Legal Considerations

When choosing a defensive lacrosse head, it’s crucial to consider regulations for your specific level of play. NCAA, high school, and youth leagues may have different requirements for head dimensions and features.

Some key regulatory aspects to consider include:

• Minimum width at widest point
• Minimum width at narrowest point
• Throat dimension regulations
• Overall length restrictions

Always verify that your chosen head meets the requirements for your league to avoid any eligibility issues. Most reputable manufacturers clearly state which regulations their heads comply with in product descriptions.

Customizing Defensive Heads for Optimal Performance

Beyond selecting the right head, how can defensive players further optimize their equipment? Customization options allow players to fine-tune their heads for specific playing styles and preferences.

Some popular customization methods include:

• Heat forming – Carefully applying heat to adjust the head’s shape
• Custom stringing – Experimenting with different pocket styles and materials
• Face pinching – Slightly narrowing the face shape for improved ball control
• Adding tape or grip – Enhancing feel and control in wet conditions

It’s important to note that some customization methods may void warranties or violate regulations. Players should research and carefully consider any modifications before implementing them.

Maintenance Tips for Defensive Lacrosse Heads

Proper maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan and maintaining the performance of defensive lacrosse heads. What are some key maintenance practices players should adopt?

• Regular cleaning – Remove dirt and debris after each use
• Proper storage – Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight
• Pocket care – Regularly adjust and maintain proper pocket depth
• Screw tightening – Ensure the head remains securely fastened to the shaft
• Inspection – Regularly check for cracks or signs of wear

By implementing these maintenance habits, players can ensure their defensive heads continue to perform at a high level throughout their lifespan.

Comparing Cost and Value in Defensive Heads

When evaluating defensive lacrosse heads, it’s important to consider both cost and long-term value. High-end models often come with premium price tags, but may offer improved durability and performance that justify the investment.

Factors to consider when assessing value include:

• Expected lifespan
• Performance benefits
• Warranty coverage
• Brand reputation
• Player skill level and commitment

While budget-friendly options exist, serious defensive players often find that investing in a quality head pays off in terms of consistency and longevity.

Adapting Head Choice to Playing Style

Not all defensive players approach the game in the same way. How should individual playing styles influence head selection?

Consider the following player archetypes and their potential head preferences:

• Aggressive checker – May prefer heavier, more durable heads for frequent contact
• Ground ball specialist – Might prioritize wider scoops and optimal string hole placement
• Versatile LSM – Could benefit from a balance of defensive and offensive features
• Close defender – May focus on maximum stiffness and interception capability

By aligning head choice with personal strengths and team role, players can maximize their on-field effectiveness.

The Future of Defensive Lacrosse Head Technology

As lacrosse equipment continues to evolve, what innovations can we expect in defensive head design? Some potential areas of advancement include:

• Advanced materials – New plastic blends for improved durability and weight reduction
• Customization options – 3D-printed or modular designs for personalized fit
• Aerodynamic improvements – Refined shapes to reduce air resistance during checks
• Enhanced grip technology – New textures or coatings for improved ball control
• Smart features – Possible integration of sensors for performance tracking

While some of these concepts may still be in development, the continued focus on innovation promises exciting advancements for defensive players in the coming years.

As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow and evolve, so too will the equipment used by its players. Defensive heads, in particular, play a crucial role in shaping the game’s strategy and style of play. By staying informed about the latest technologies, materials, and design philosophies, players can make educated decisions when selecting and optimizing their defensive lacrosse heads.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your lacrosse journey, understanding the nuances of defensive head design can significantly impact your on-field performance. As you evaluate different options, consider how factors like weight, face shape, and durability align with your personal playing style and team role.

Remember that while having the right equipment is important, it’s ultimately the skills, dedication, and teamwork you bring to the field that will determine your success as a defensive player. Use this knowledge to inform your choices, but never lose sight of the fundamentals that form the core of great lacrosse play.

Best Lacrosse Heads 2018 – A Buyer’s Guide

Alan Coholan
February 3, 2018

Looking for a lacrosse head but not sure what you should look for? When I started playing lacrosse in the late 90s, the Brine Edge was almost literally the only option. It was a heavy, solid piece of plastic built with a one-size-fits-all mentality. Today, there’s not just dozens of heads, but multiple brands innovating every year and putting serious engineering into the design of the latest lacrosse heads.

To help you out, we’ve reviewed 10 of the most popular mid-to-high end heads from a variety of companies made for every position. Whether you’re an attacker, middie, defenseman, or goalie, we’ve got some great insight on your options.

Best Lacrosse Head Reviews 2018

Two main points to keep in mind before diving in:

First, with many of these companies, you pay for quality. It’s easy to head to the local sporting goods store and pick up whatever’s cheap, but you’ll pay for it in the long run. Do some research, consider the following criteria, and know it’s better to spend a few dollars more for a better quality stick.

Second, you’ll need to pair this head with a shaft suitable for the position you’ll be playing, so check out our review of the best lacrosse shafts of 2017 here.

Quick Guide

*1 is lightest but generally most fragile. 5 is heavier and more durable

The Easton Stealth Core has a pointier tip than most other heads, improving accuracy on shots for more experienced players. This pointiness results in difficulty when going for ground balls though, so whether or not the point is a pro or con really depends on what kind of player you are and what position you play.

Cradle retention is great in the head and the head is easy to string, even for beginners.

While the pointed top is best used for making shots, it’s still nice and stiff for defensive plays. Overall it’s a spectacular stick for the price.

This head is obviously for attackers and midfield players. It feels bendy enough that you won’t be doing much checking with it, ruling out defense.

It’s a spectacular head if you’re purely an offensive player though. The shape allows for quicker releases than most, and the grooved end makes it ideal for scooping grounders. It’s made for a high pocket and the design makes it easy to maintain control through even the craziest dodges.

The Epoch Hawk is best for at least slightly experienced players, with a design meant for stick tricks and plenty of holes available for stringing.

This head is a bit lighter than most other heads made for female play. It boasts an innovative sidewall design that results in a thinner side, and while the design allows the ball to sit very comfortably when cradling, it results in the head being much less sturdy. It cracks quite easily, so you won’t want to be making any defensive pokes. The design also makes for a thinner top rail, allowing for a little more confidence when scooping ground balls.

Despite occasional reports of it cracking, the head is still very stiff. Overall it feels a lot like a man’s stick, even though it stays within female regulations.

While it plays well for offensive players with a light design that allows for improved handling, it sacrifices a bit too much durability for a pure defensive player.

The STX Power Plus slightly improves on the original. It’s a versatile stick that’s mainly aimed at midfielders, but is pretty solid all around and any position player could get by with it. Great shooting accuracy with solid snap allows for quick, powerful rips with minimal drag.

This light head has a nice thin scoop that provides a wider angle for fielding ground balls when you need to. If there’s any true downside, it’s that the sidewall curve doesn’t lend itself well to faceoffs.

The low weight might account for the increased warping that occurs after intense games, but that’s true for plenty of sticks at this price point.

Goalies are gonna love this head. It’s made for more experienced players, being a little heavier that’s better suited to stop balls that catch the edge of the head. The head’s also got a slightly smaller surface area when compared to similar goalie sticks. It might take some getting used to for goalies who are used to having more net for catching.

It’s very durable and very stiff, perfectly made for blocking high-velocity shots.

The Warrior Nemesis is popular among NCAA goalies, and it’s not hard to see why. This is a great head for goalies that are up against hard shots.

The Brine Clutch IV is a head that’s made purely for offense. It’s highly popular among attackmen, and for good reason. Despite its thinness, it’s quite durable in all weather. The sidewalls are pretty thin to keep the overall weight low, but as long as you don’t put too much pressure on them with heavy checking, you should be fine. As I said, this is an offensive stick that wasn’t built with defense in mind.

It’s got a mid stiffness and lots of stringing options to really customize your pocket.

This is a great head for offensive players, but make sure you’ll be using it only for attacking and maybe a bit of midfield play; it won’t hold up on the defensive end.

This mid-weight head is nice and stiff, among the very stiffest offensive heads I’ve ever played with. It’s versatile, being a great choice for midfielders and attackers but able to hold it’s own when on defense. The forward cant (aka angle) on the head is well-suited to ripping fast shots and strong passes alike.

Warrior claims the new ‘Symrail’ design makes the head much less prone to warping, and I can attest to that. Personally, I’ve never seen any warping on it, but users online claim even when it does warp it’s easily molded back in place.

Overall this is a great choice for any player, especially at its price point.

The Maverik Centric is a mid-to-high pocket offensive head that’s got a narrower throat than most others. Its width, along with its flexibility, makes for accurate and very powerful shots. Not to mention the fact that it can make some decent defensive checks as well. You’ll get some solid feel whenever the ball is in your pocket.

The wide end allows for easy grounder scoops. It’s nice and light, and the only knock against this stick is it’s a little lacking on the durability side because of it.

For those who don’t like the mid-low pocket of the Optik, Maverik has crafted a great head for players who prefer a higher pocket.

This defense-focused stick had a wide head and is insanely stiff. The width of the head helps with scooping, though passing accuracy suffers due to the with, and ball control takes more focus and you won’t be performing any cheeky stick tricks easily.

Extremely durable, this head will hold up to solid poke checks without cracking. It’ll take a lot to ruin the Maverik Tank.

Made for physical defensemen, the Maverik Tank head will be great for you if you’re the kind of defenseman that likes aggressively applying pressure to attackers in your end. It’s a real powerhouse, yet is able to remain lightweight.

The STX Stallion is purely for midfielders, very ill-suited to defense. It’s got lots of whip for making strong shots and quick, accurate passes. Made by STX with help from Kyle Harrison, one of the best midfielders in the game, this is designed for middies.

There aren’t many stringing options, but what’s there works for high pocket players. This head is great for cradling and control and has no issues with shooting. It’s one of the very best all-around midfield heads.

If there’s any negative, it has the potential to warp easily, and probably shouldn’t be used for extensive faceoffs, as it can easily lose its shape.

Lacrosse Head Buying Guide

As mentioned throughout the reviews, there are a couple of key factors to be considered at the start of any search for your ideal head.

Primary considerations for your new lacrosse head include:

• Primary position
• Weight of the head
• Flexibility vs Durability

Why position matters: Your role on the lacrosse field has an impact on the type of head you end up with; you’ll want one best suited for your position. As an attackman, you should be focused on lightweight sticks with a forward cant that will allow you to release the ball quickly for fast and accurate shots or feeds. On the flipside, a denfenseman can get away with a heavier head that is more rigid so that it can stand up to repeated checking and digging for ground balls.

Weight makes a difference: Weight not only makes a difference across positions, but evaluating weight across heads for specific positions is also important. The lightest of heads end up being more flexible, and are more prone to breakage or warping, especially in cold conditions.

Flexibility vs Durability: Though this concept applies to all positions, it is most important for midfielders. As the utility man of the lacrosse team, you need a head that’s going to do it all. With so many teams running offensive and defensive midfield lines, you may be able to lean one way or the other, but as a middie, you’ll inevitably end up on both sides of the ball, so balance the flexibility for fast shots and feeds against the defensive toughness you’ll need for checks and battles for ground balls.

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Michkov scored a lacrosse goal and scored five points, Ak Bars beat Avangard: News

26 February 2023, 20:00
Review of the day

The last matches of the regular season of the 2022/2023 season have ended: Ak Bars beat Avangard in overtime, Sochi defeated Kunlun Red Star thanks to a hat-trick by Artur Tyanulin and five points from Matvey Michkov, and Dynamo Moscow won the derby against Spartak.

5 – 3

Sochi won the last match of the season, Michkov scored five points

3 – 2 OT

Bullitt Radulov in overtime brought Ak Bars victory over Avangard

4 – 2

Spartak ended the season losing in the derby to Dynamo

Sochi won the last match of the season, Michkov scored five points

HC Sochi

Kunlun Red Star

After “0:7” in Nizhnekamsk, the coaching staff of “Kunlun Red Star” shook up almost all combinations. It was mainly the attackers who got it – but in defense, which is surprising after such a defeat, relative stability reigned. Anyway, Greg Ireland changed only the third pair of defenses. Sun Zehao again played in goal.

As for the hosts, in the second link with Artyom Nikolaev and Timur Khafizov played Dmitry Zavgorodniy . Alexander Gordin was again announced as the thirteenth forward, and Mikhail Berdin took the place at the gate.

Outsiders match of the West began with a fast puck by Artur Tyanulin . The Sochi forward opened at the far post and easily turned Matvey Michkov’s pass into a goal.

Soon Michkov distinguished himself – and how he distinguished himself! The young striker scored a lacrosse goal against Kunlun! Before the break, Sochi scored twice more – first Tyanulin made a double, and in the last minute Amir Garaev chalked up another puck.

Kunlun Red Star had only two notable moments in the first period – Colin Campbell’s goal and a fight in which Guo Jiangying defeated Vadim Kudako . After the first period, Sun Zehao lost his place at the gate to Matt Jurusik – but he also could not resist the raging Sochi attack. At the 36th minute of the meeting, Tyanulin scored the first hat-trick in his career.

Even with such an advantage, the third period did not become an easy walk for Sochi – at the start of the third twenty-minute period, the Dragons played two goals at once. However, the Sochi residents were simply better that evening. The southerners were able to seize the initiative from the opponent and did not allow the “Kunlun” to get closer. 5:3 – Sochi ends the difficult season with a victory.

#Gagarin Cup

Matvey

Michkov

Arthur

Tyanulin

Alex

Rich

Three stars

Matvey Michkov
Scored the winning lacrosse goal, scored 5 (1+4) points

Arthur Tyanulin
First hat-trick of his career

Alex Rich
Helped his team score two goals

Position of teams before the game

11

HC Sochi

West

30

10

Kunlun RS

West

49

see full table

Position of the teams after the game

11 (0)

HC Sochi

West

32

10 (0)

Kunlun RS

West

49

Dmitry Kokorev, acting Sochi head coach:
– I want to thank the fans for the whole season – yes, there were unsuccessful matches, but the fans came, cheered, we heard them, thank you for your support. As for today’s game, the most important thing was to win, and we did it. We closed this season with a victory and we will prepare for the next one. Five points Michkov? Today, all the first three scored five goals – today we have a hat-trick from Artur Tyanulin, and Matvey scored a lot of points, and Amir Garayev scored points. All three played great. Failed the third period? I wouldn’t say so. We relaxed a bit, but in the end we pulled ourselves together, didn’t give the opponent a chance and brought the matter to victory. The end of the season turned out, the guys heard us, and we are on the right track all together. We will prepare for the next season.

Greg Ireland, Head Coach, Kunlun Red Star:
– It is very difficult to lose in the last match of the season 1:4 at some point, but we must pay tribute to our players, who fought until the last second and tried to score goals, to change the situation. Yes, of course, the last few matches did not turn out the way we planned and wanted, but if you look at the season as a whole, we also had good matches, competitive ones, we were a very stubborn team, not very convenient for some opponents. In general, I will say that I am pleased with the guys – they are stubborn and always fight for victory. I am proud of them and treat them with great respect. For me, the fact that we did not reach the playoffs is a big defeat. Of course, you always want to get into the playoffs and not end the season so early. This makes it very uncomfortable. On the other hand, in the last 12 matches we shifted the focus to the preparation of the national team, and the guys who will play in April at the World Championships began to have more time on the ice, they continued their development for the World Championships in Estonia. During the season, I had moments when I could extend the contract, but I did not do this at that time, because I want to return home, see my family, talk with my relatives, weigh all the possibilities. My mother is not feeling very well, so I am really looking forward to returning home. I am a free agent, so I will consider all possibilities. And yet, I really enjoyed working with the media, with all the journalists who talked to me. The KHL is an amazing league, so I will be happy to continue working here.

Bullitt Radulov in overtime brought Ak Bars victory over Avangard

Ak Bars

Vanguard

For the last game of the regular season in Kazan, Avangard arrived with a super-experimental squad. Against the leader of the conference, the hawks took to the ice without all the top 6 forwards, except for Sergey Tolchinsky , without two leading defenders Damir Sharipzyanov and Alexei Bereglazov , as well as the main goalkeeper Vasily Demchenko . At the same time, the match had a direct tournament value for the Omsk team: if they won, they took second place in the East and went to the Admiral in the first round of the Gagarin Cup, the defeat sent the hawks to third position and determined Sibir as rivals.

As for Kazan, they have already booked the first place in the conference for a long time and recognized the opponent in the playoffs, but the hosts of the ice came out against Avangard with an almost optimal line-up. This game, by the way, was notable for the fact that Roman Shchenev : the most experienced referee ended his long and eventful career as a referee with this match.

Roman Shchenyov: “It’s useless to “rock” KHL referees”
The first period was expectedly with the advantage of the hosts. Ak Bars seized the puck and the initiative from the first seconds and began to regularly check Andrey Mishurov . But the Omsk goalkeeper confidently coped with the shots performed by Dmitry Kagarlitsky , Alexander Radulov and Vyacheslav Voinov , but in general he made 11 rescues in 20 minutes, never missing.

However, Avangard did not sit on the defensive either. Guests did not let bore Timur Bilyalov , who entered the game 8 times during the period, and in addition, Omsk had the opportunity to realize the majority. But in the absence of the main leaders, the hawks spent those two minutes rather toothlessly.

The second period turned out to be much more meaningful. It started again with the attacks of the hosts, but Mishurov acted reliably, and soon the “hawks” opened the scoring in a counterattack. Nail Yakupov and Tolchinsky masterfully took the shot on the move Alexander Dergachev, and he did not miss.

The missed puck irritated Ak Bars even more, and Kazan managed not only to break through Andrey Mishurov’s , but also turn the game around. First, Ilya Safonov punished Avangard defender Alexander Ugolnikov with a brilliant throw for a mistake when leaving the zone. And then Dmitry Kagarlitsky did a great job closing the diagonal of Nikita Lyamkin in a counterattack.

However, the teams still went to the break with an equal score. In the last minute of the segment, the main three Omsk players in this meeting played another cool combination at speed, and Nail Yakupov scored in the second match in a row, taking Sergey Tolchinsky and Dergachev as assistants .

At the beginning of the third period, Ak Bars did not convert the majority, and in equal lineups, a fairly accurate game was played, which is inherent in many third periods in hockey. The episode cheered up the meeting at the 53rd minute: Victor Svedberg started a fight with Vyacheslav Voinov , knocked down the Kazan defender on the ice with a fist, but at the same time received a large fine as an instigator. Ak Bars received a five-minute majority, but could not benefit from this, besides, after three minutes Alexander Radulov demolished Mishurov in the goalkeeper’s area and went to the penalty box himself.

As a result, the teams reached overtime, where Radulov became the main character. He earned a bullet on his own, and then converted it, bringing the Kazan team a victory and completing the Siberian derby in the first round of the Gagarin Cup.

#Gagarin Cup

Alexander

Dergachev

Alexander

Radulov

Nail

Yakupov

Position of teams before the game

1

Ak Bars

East

89

2

Vanguard

East

85

see full table

Position of the teams after the game

1 (0)

Ak Bars

East

91

3 (-1)

Vanguard

East

86

Mikhail Kravets, Avangard head coach:
– All with the end of the regular season. It developed differently for both teams, but in the end, both teams took the places they deserved in the game. Today we adhered to the plan, many of the guys who played today were in the cage throughout the season, we tried to connect them. Today they showed their best side, played well and confidently against a strong team, this is very important for us. Good fight. Good speed, good goals, the fans also saw overtime. Satisfied with the match, we return home and prepare for the playoffs. How satisfied are we with the draw? We did not choose, we are happy that we got into the playoffs. We are satisfied that during the regular season we have risen from eleventh place to third, that we have such young guys. As God has given, so we will work. Demchenko? I think that he will be ready for the start of the playoffs, he is already training. How did you react to Radulov’s gesture after the goal? What does he ever do differently? Always passes by the bench. We are happy for him that he scored a goal, well done, let him score further, this is his job.

Zinetula Bilyaletdinov, Ak Bars head coach:
– The fighting game turned out, both teams tuned in to this match. The opponent created a lot of sharp moments, exposed some of our problems that we need to solve. Useful, good game. The result of the regular season? I think that since we finished it at such a level, the guys did well, withstood the stress, although there were very difficult moments. Was there a desire to save the leaders today? No, on the contrary, this match was very useful for us, it went at a good pace, in a fighting spirit. The opponent played quite aggressively, which is good for us. I don’t think we should have done differently. Someone very simply assesses the situation with the fact that we went to Neftekhimik in the first round. But I think there will be matches like today. You have to be ready with your head and body, play correctly and disciplined, convert your chances. We must not think that it is close for us to travel to Nizhnekamsk. This is the playoffs, we must seriously prepare for the opponent.

Spartak ended the season losing the Dynamo derby

Dynamo M

Spartak

If Minskers hadn’t beat Vityaz yesterday, today’s match against Dynamo Moscow would have been the most important of the season for Spartak. But now they had no chance of participating in the Gagarin Cup, and the meeting turned into a formality. It remained only to hope for the status of the derby, plus the likely desire to end the championship on at least partly positive note.

From the very beginning, it became clear that the white-and-blue guests could not count on “help” in this matter: Ivan Efremov opened the scoring already in the third minute. In the second half of the period Roman Starchenko did not treat Andrei Pribylsky like a gentleman, for which he earned a removal until the end of the match, and left his team in the minority for five minutes, and Alexander Skorenov scored the second goal.

In the first minute of the second segment Andrey Mironov brought the score to 3:0, and the intrigue seemed to have finally disappeared – especially since the game advantage was entirely on the side of the hosts. But then Alexey Potapov exactly repeated Starchenko’s misconduct, and with almost the same consequences. The only difference was that the five-minute minority of the blue and white survived, and got an own goal when the lineups had already leveled off. It was scored by Dynamo pupil Nikita Chibrikov , 12 seconds before the second break.

And the third period began with a goal Vadim Fattakhov , who, while the partners went to change, in splendid isolation went on a counterattack for four, not counting Ilya Konovalov , rivals, and from a negative angle celebrated his debut in the KHL with the first puck.

The guests perked up, but they were cooled down by Egor Zaitsev , who distinguished himself, in general, with the connivance of Spartak’s defenders.