Lokomotiv with a chance to close out first-round series
The KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs continue with pivotal matchups across both conferences. Admiral looks to extend its lead over top-seeded Traktor after a thrilling OT win, powered by Nikita Soshnikov’s hat-trick. Sibir aims to even the series against Salavat Yulaev after shutting them out at home. Torpedo faces elimination against Lokomotiv, needing a win to stay alive. Meanwhile, SKA seeks to build on its first series victory as Dynamo Moscow tries to regain control. Key milestones are also in sight, making today’s action a must-watch.
12:30: Admiral vs Traktor
Series stand
2-1 (5:4, 1:2 ОТ, 4:3 ОТ).
About the game
Underdog Admiral continues to punch above its weight in this series against the Eastern Conference leader. After splitting the opening two games in Chelyabinsk, the Sailors won game three in Vladivostok to regain the lead in the series. The hero of the night was forward Nikita Soshnikov, who scored a hat-trick, including the overtime game-winner as Admiral is trying to pull another first-round upset after sending Salavat Yulaev on vacation two years ago. Libor Sulak also scored for Admiral, who continues on enjoying strong goaltending from young Andrei Mishurov – 51 saves for him in game three. Traktor, who also lacked some luck in the game, saw goals coming from Steven Kampfer, Artyom Blazhiyevsky, and Semyon Der-Arguchintsev.
Traktor’s forward Alexander Kadeikin is on a six-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points over that span.
Injury list
Traktor: Yegor Popov.
Admiral: Leonid Metalikov, Artyom Nikolayev, Jack Rodewald.
Milestone alert
Admiral’s defenseman Artyom Chmykhov may record his 200th KHL game.
Admiral’s forward Arkady Shestakov may reach 100 points in the league.
Traktor’s defenseman Artyom Blazhiyevsky lines up for his 100th appearance in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
15:30: Sibir vs Salavat Yulaev
Series stand
1-2 (0:7, 2:8, 2:0).
About the game
After blasting 15 goals in two games at home, Salavat Yulaev fired blanks on the road, with Sibir shutting the opposition down and returning in contention for the series recording a 2:0 home win. The Novosibirsk side needed just 20 seconds to open the scoring with Alexei Yakovlev. That was the first KHL playoff goal at the new Sibir Arena after it opened in Sep. 2023. Then, Taylor Beck showed his class setting up Valentin Pyanov’s 2:0, and Viktor Kozlov’s team could find no way back from there as the series reopens. Sibir’s goalies posted a shutout with Anton Krasotkin leaving the game after the first period with an injury and Denis Kostin taking his place between the piping.
Injury list
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin.
Sibir: Georgy Belousov, Vladimir Butuzov, Pavel Gogolev, Fyodor Gordeyev.
Milestone alert
Sibir’s forward Taylor Beck may reach 250 assists in the KHL (currently at 249).
19:30: Torpedo vs Lokomotiv
Series stand
0-3 (1:3, 0:2, 2:4).
About the game
Torpedo improved as the series shifted to Nizhny Novgorod, but once again Lokomotiv looked too much to handle for the Igor Larionov’s men. Artur Kauymov’s double snapped the tie in the second period, then the Railwaymen closed the gates in the closing frame as the series is close to its end. Isayev posted 24 saves to record his third consecutive win, while usual suspect Maxim Shalunov also scored for Lokomotiv. However, Torpedo will try hand to force a return to Yaroslavl – but for them it’s now or never.
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Beryozkin is on a five-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points over that stretch.
Lokomotiv’s forward Denis Alexeyev is also on a five-game scoring streak, but with 5 (1+4) points.
Injury list
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his tenth KHL shutout.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Rushan Rafikov may score his 200th career point (currently at 198).
19:30: SKA vs Dynamo Moscow
Series stand
1-2 (1:3, 1:2 ОТ, 5:3).
About the game
The series moved to St. Petersburg and SKA celebrated a well-deserved first win in the series, forcing Dynamo Moscow to chase for most of the game after Arseny Gritsyuk converted the first powerplay chance of the night. Defenseman Alexander Nikishin scored in his first game after returning to the lineup, while Evgeny Kuznetsov had his first postseason tally since 2013, but the Blue-and-Whites rallied back from a two-goal deficit before SKA pushed the gas and found the game-winner with d-man Ilya Karpukhin. In the closing stage, a five-minute major penalty to Zakhar Bardakov was painful for SKA, but the home side closed the gates and found an empty-netter with Pavel Akolzin as the series is open again.
Milestone alert
SKA’s forward Vladimir Alistrov may score his 100th point in the league (currently at 99).
Dynamo Moscow’s forward Nikita Gusev may tally his 250th KHL goal (currently at 249).
