Metallurg, Avtomobilist trying to double their advantage

It’s game two time for another two series in the Gagarin Cup playoffs. Magnitka and Avtomobilist collected wins, and will be on the lookout for another victory today.

17:00: Metallurg vs Spartak

Series stand
1-0 (4:0)

About the game
Metallurg blanked the Muscovites in the opening game of the series, with Ilya Nabokov celebrating his first Gagarin Cup playoffs’ shutout with 34 saves. Dmitry Silantyev was the other hero of the night for Magnitka, potting a goal and assisting on Yegor Yakovlev’s goal in the middle frame. Lucas Johnson netted the game-winner for Metallurg, who also enjoyed an empty-netter from Nikita Grebyonkin late in the closing stages of the game. Spartak will need to do much better in game two to stand a chance.
Metallurg’s goalie Ilya Nabokov is on a 64:51 shutout streak.
Metallurg’s defenseman Robin Press is on a seven-game scoring streak, with 8 (2+6) points over that span.
Metallurg’s forward Nikita Grebyonkin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (2+1) points.

Injury list
Spartak: Patrik Rybar.

Milestone alert
Metallurg’s forward Pavel Akolzin may reach 100 KHL points (currently at 99).

19:30: SKA vs Avtomobilist

Series stand
0-1 (2:3)

About the game
In the first game, Avtomobilist surprised SKA with a road win as the Motormen had two quick goals in the opening frame with Semyon Kizimov and Alexei Makeyev. Goals from Marat Khairullin – who is on an impressive six-game scoring streak – and Sergei Sapego leveled the game, but a tally from Denis Barantsev silenced a packed SKA Arena as the Motormen walked away with a victory.
SKA’s forward Vasily Glotov is on a six-game scoring streak, with 8 (3+5) points over that span.
SKA’s forward Marat Khairullin is also on a six-game scoring streak, with 7 (2+5) points.

Injury list
SKA: Vladimir Alistrov, Andrei Pedan, Borna Rendulic, Ivan Zinchenko.
Avtomobilist: Stephane Da Costa, Vladimir Kuznetsov.

Milestone alert
SKA’s forward Alexander Kadeikin is still looking to score his 100^th KHL tally (currently at 99).
SKA’s defenseman Stepan Falkovsky lines up for his 200^th league appearance.
Avtomobilist’s forward Brooks Macek may reach 100 assists in the KHL (currently at 99).