Red Star primed for home opener in Shanghai

What a difference a year makes.

By the time Kunlun Red Star made its home debut last season, China's expansion team in the Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League had already fallen into an erratic win-loss pattern en route to a record of 28-29-3 - good enough for eighth place in the Eastern conference, followed by a quick exit from the playoffs.

So far, Year 2 has been much better.