With a regulation win, Yunost Minsk could have become the first Belarusian team to qualify for the Champions Hockey League Round of 16, and they still might do it. However, after a 3-2 shootout loss to the Lahti Pelicans, their fate now rests in the hands of Lausanne HC vs Oceláři Třinec.

For a while, it looked like Yunost’s chances might be finished off this game. The Pelicans got off to fast starts in the first two periods, which gave them a 2-0 lead. In the first minute of the game, it was Aleksi Mustonen on a breakaway. In the first minute of the second, it was Miro-Pekka Saarelainen taking a pass on the rush and beating Igor Brikun high to the glove side. Needing an eight-goal win and help to advance, the Pelicans might have started entertaining such thoughts at that point.

However, two home goals halfway through the middle frame put the two teams back on even terms. With the teams skating 4-on-4, Nikita Mitskevich potted a rebound and then, just 41 seconds later, Yevgeni Nogachyov one-timed a cross-ice pass from Denis Tsygankov on the power play to make it a 2-2 game.

After a scoreless third period and overtime, during which Yunost pressed hard for the go-ahead goal to no avail, the game was decided in a shootout. The Pelicans scored on three straight attempts and Atte Tolvanen stopped all three Yunost shots.

With the single point, Yunost will advance if Třinec lose in regulation time.