Avangard looking for game seven, Spartak and Metallurg at a key game 5!

Two critical games are on tap today, with Lokomotiv hosting Avangard after a strong Hawks victory in game five, while Spartak and Metallurg are tied at two wins each.

17:00: Metallurg vs Spartak

Series stand
2-2 (4:0, 1:0, 2:5, 0:1)

About the game
Two offensive teams produced a 1-0 game in the fourth encounter of the series – the second such score in this confrontation. Ansel Galimov’s tally in the closing frame tied things up at two as the real series starts now. As both teams won their respective home games, Dmitry Nikolayev’s 29 saves backstopped a 1-0 verdict for Spartak on Tuesday. The Red-and-Whites had the initiative most of the game, with a terrific shot by Pavel Poryadin rattling the crossbar in the opening stanza as a ringing bell for Magnitka. Ilya Nabokov stopped 31 shots for Metallurg as the series returns to the Urals today.
Spartak’s goalie Dmitry Nikolayev is on a 78:01 shutout series.

Injury list
Spartak: Patrik Rybar.

Milestone alert
Metallurg’s forward Pavel Akolzin may record his 100^th KHL point (currently at 99).
Spartak’s forward Ansel Galimov may reach 200 career points (currently at 198).

19:30: Lokomotiv vs Avangard

Series stand
3-2 (2:1 2ОТ, 7:0, 1:2 ОТ, 3:1, 2:4)

About the game
Lokomotiv had a strong start in game five, but Avangard had an even stronger third period to keep its season alive with a key away win on Tuesday. The Hawks’ top line was in fine shape, especially with Reid Boucher and Vladimir Tkachyov being on the ice for all four goals by the guests. The Railwaymen lacked some killer instinct as they were twice up in the game, but Avangard always rallied back and conquered a deserved win, with Pavel Khomchenko stopping 34 shots. On the other side of the rink, Daniil Isayev posted a disappointing 10-save performance.

Injury list
Avangard: Ivan Telegin.

Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Beryozkin lines up for his 200^th career game.
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Shalunov may reach 350 league points (currently at 349).
Avangard’s defenseman Bogdan Kiselevich may get to 200 KHL points (currently at 198).
Avangard’s forward Damir Zhafyarov may record his 200^th helper in the league (currently at 199).