There was one major addition to the home side's line-up, Nikolay Zherdev joining Atlant on a one-year deal from the New York Rangers in the NHL.

”I wasn’t able to agree on a new deal in the NHL. But it’s also good here in Russia, so I am not bothered,” Nikolay Zherdev said.

However, the side from the Moscow Region didn't get off to the best of starts, as they fell behind with just two minutes gone.

Zherdev lost possession inside his own blue line, and Yury Koksharov was on hand to put Amur 1-0 up.

Atlant pushed in search on an equalizer, and the visitors certainly weren't helping their cause, as they played for almost half of the period a man down due to a lack of discipline.

But try as they might, Atlant weren't able to draw level as the side from Khabarovsk went into the first interval with a 1-0 lead.

The home side continued to attack after the break, but the Amur netminder, Sergey Borisov was proving to be a thorn in their side. When Atlant finally thought they had scored, the goal was ruled out, as an attacking player was in the goal crease.

But that didn't prove costly, as just seconds later, the Moscow Region team drew level, with Oleg Kvasha on hand to restore parity.

And with four minutes left in the second period, Atlant would take the lead. Amur were unable to clear the puck, but Jan Bulis scored to move his side 2-1 in front going into the final 20 minutes.

Amur tried to find an equalizer, but hardly threatened the Altant netminder, Martin Gerber. The home side would seal the points with just two minutes to go.

Nikolay Zherdev got it, to cap his debut with a goal, while seconds later Balandin made it 4-1.

”I am pleased with how I played. It took me a bit of time to get used to my teammates. But the most important thing is that we won,” Nikolay Zherdev said.

A thoroughly-deserved win for Atlant, who dominated the game practically from start to finish, and a promising start for Zherdev, who capped his first appearance with a goal.

Amur defended stoutly, but their inability to create any offense cost them dearly in the end.