Do or die for Dynamo Moscow in game four!

The Muscovites are down by three games against Traktor, with game four coming today. In the other contest, Lokomotiv hosts Avangard, with the Hawks finally getting a win in game three, with a tally by Reid Boucher in extra time.

17:00: Traktor vs Dynamo Moscow

Series stand
3-0 (4:2, 5:4 ОТ, 3:2)

About the game
It was another tight game in this series, but once again the score tipped the balance in Chelyabinsk’s favor. Jordan Weal opened the scoring for Dynamo in the first period, then Traktor replied with two quick goals in the middle frame. After Artyom Ilyenko levelled the game at the mid mark, a breakaway by Mikhail Kotlyarevsky gave Traktor the third straight win in the series. Once again, Chelyabinsk could enjoy a strong performance by Zach Fucale, who stopped 31 shots, including 17 in the closing stanza. Dynamo Moscow dominated in most of stats (shot attempts, time on attack, puck control), so most of the impact can be attributed to the goaltending performance, with the Canadian netminder showcasing all his experience and skills for Traktor. Dynamo Moscow, however, will certainly try to grab at least a game, starting from today’s one.

Injury list
Traktor: Andrei Chibisov.
Dynamo Moscow: Artyom Volchenkov.

Milestone alert
Traktor’s defenseman Artyom Blazhiyevsky may reach 100 league points (currently at 99).
Traktor’s forward Vladimir Tkachyov may record his 200^th KHL helper (currently at 199).

19:30: Lokomovit vs Avangard

Series stand
2-1 (2:1 2ОТ, 7:0, 1:2 ОТ)

About the game
The Hawks managed to grab a win in game three – the first under the guidance of interim head coach Sergei Zvyagin. Differently from game two, the game was tight, with two goals coming in the first period from Semyon Chistyakov – it was the first tally in this year’s Gagarin Cup playoffs for the young d-man, and Stepan Nikulin. Then, Lokomotiv pushed the gas for most of the time, seeking the go-ahead goal, but Pavel Khomchenko was instrumental between the piping ending the contest with 33 saves. A tally by the usual suspect Reid Boucher set things in OT, with the forward netting his league-leading eighth goal in the playoffs. Today, Avangard will have a great chance to level the series at two.

Injury list
Avangard: Ivan Telegin.

Milestone alert
Avangard’s forward Damir Zhafyarov may record his 200^th  KHL helper (currently at 199).