The pressure is high on Lokomotiv as the series returns to Yaroslavl!
After two consecutive losses, the Railwaymen host CSKA at home to try and cut their lead. Barys welcomes Metallurg and Traktor travels to Nizhnekamsk in the remaining couple of games.
It will be hot in Yaroslav when Lokomotiv hosts CSKA after two straight losses in Moscow. The Igor Nikitin’s men will try and cut the Muscovites’ lead, but it won’t be easy for them – especially if Lokomotiv plays as in game two. Barys and Metallurg, instead, swapped wins in the first two clashes of the series and at this point it looks like it can go either way. Traktor seems to be in a more favorable position after winning its first two games over Neftekhimik – tonight the team led by Anvar Gatiyatullin will seek its third win, this time on the road.
16:30: Barys vs Metallurg
Series stand
The series is tied 1-1.
About the game
In game two, Vasily Koshechkin returned in style, while Brendan Leipsic, Philippe Maillet, and Andrei Chibisov put on a multi-point performance to help Magnitka tying things up in Magnitogorsk with a large 6:2 victory.
Barys’ forward Jakob Lilja is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (3+1) points over that span.
Barys’ forward Linden Vey is on a six-game scoring streak, with 7 (2+5) points.
Injury list
Barys: Dmitry Gurkov.
Metallurg: Mikhail Grigoryev, Mikhail Pashnin.
Milestone alert
Metallurg’s forward Linus Videll may line up for his 500th KHL game.
Metallurg’s defenseman Artyom Zemchyonok may reach 100 KHL points.
19:30: Neftekhimik vs Traktor
Series stand
Traktor leads the series 0-2.
About the game
In game two, Vitaly Kravtsov celebrated his 200th KHL appearance potting a double to set Traktor ahead by two in the series. Chelyabinsk’s netminder Roman Will had 26 saves in his side’s 2:1 win.
Injury list
Neftekhimik: Alexei Puzanov, Timur Sharifyanov.
Traktor: Marsel Sholokhov.
Milestone alert
Tratkor’s defenseman Nick Bailen may line up for his 400th KHL game and score his 250th point (currently at 399 and 248, respectively).
19:30: Lokomotiv vs CSKA
Series stand
CSKA leads the series 0-2.
About the game
After CSKA’s OT win in game one, the second match of the series was less tight, with the Muscovites taking advance of a three-point performance by Sergei Plotnikov to achieve a 4:1 victory, despite Artyom Anisimov’s tally just three minutes in.
CSKA’s forward Konstantin Okulov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points over that span.
Injury list
CSKA: Nikita Rtishchev.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s forward Denis Alexeyev and CSKA’s forward Anton Slepyshev may record their 100th KHL assist.
