SKA, Spartak trying to save the series in game three!

Following two straight losses in the first two matches, SKA and Spartak will return to ice with their backs against the wall. However, in the elimination stage, anything can happen, and no advantage is safe – a two-game deficit isn’t the end. Avtomobilist and Metallurg should avoid taking the third game too easy, especially the Motormen who will play at home in Yekaterinburg.

17:00: Avtomobilist vs SKA

Series stand
2-0 (3:2, 3:1)

About the game
Stephane Da Costa returned to Avtomobilist’s lineup and he tallied the game-winner for the Motormen, who now won two away games against SKA – quite a good start of the second round for them. In the third period SKA cut down its deficit with yet another goal by Vasily Glotov – he and Marat Khairullin managed to keep their scoring streak alive – but Stepan Khripunov sealed the deal for Avto in the closing stages of the game. The home centers were excellent on the dots, yet it wasn’t enough for the St. Petersrburg side to tie things up. Evgeny Alikin posted 33 saves for the Motormen as he keeps on being one of the top goalies of this year’s elimination stage.
SKA’s forward Vasily Glotov is on a seven-game scoring streak, with 9 (4+5) points over that span.
SKA’s forward Marat Khairullin is also on a seven-game scoring streak, with 8 (2+6) points.

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

Milestone alert
Avtomobilist’s forward Brooks Macek may record his 100^th KHL assist (currently at 99).
Avtomobilist’s goalie Evgeny Alikin celebrates his 250^th league appearance.
Avtomobilist’s forward Stephane Da Costa may reach 50 points in the Gagarin Cup playoffs (currently at 48).
SKA’s forward Alexander Kadeikin has a chance to reach 100 KHL tallies (currently at 99).

19:30: Spartak vs Metallurg

Series stand
0-2 (0:4, 0:1)

About the game
Spartak failed again to score, with Ilya Nabokov celebrating his second straight shutout, this time with 33 saves. Yegor Korobkin – not new to big performance in the Gagarin Cup playoffs – scored the lone tally of the game, in the third period, assisted by captain Yegor Yakovlev. Ilya Kovalchuk’s return wasn’t enough for the Red-and-Whites, who will be needing a win, and a return to scoring after two straight games – six periods – without netting a single puck in Nabokov’s crease.
Metallurg’s goalie Ilya Nabokov is on a 124:51 shutout streak.

Injury list
Spartak: Patrik Rybar

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