The second round kicks off today!

Two series start today, with Salavat Yulaev facing Spartak for the first time in the Gagarin Cup playoffs, and Lokomotiv battling out with Avangard in a replay of last year’s series, won by the Railwaymen in the seventh game.

17:00: Salavat Yulaev vs Spartak

Series stand
0-0

Series history
It’s the first time the two sides meet in the elimination stage.

About the game
The teams faced twice in this year’s regular season, with Salavat Yulaev claiming both contests (5:2, 5:1).
Salavat Yulaev’s forward Sheldon Rempal enters the second round of the elimination stage on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (4+2) points over that span.
Spartak’s forward Mikhail Maltsev is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points.

Injury list
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin, Nathan Todd.

Milestone alert
Spartak’s defenseman Andrei Mironov lines up for his 700^th KHL game.
Spartak’s forward Ivan Morozov may reach 100 assists in the league (currently at 99).
Spartak’s goalie Dmitry Nikolayev may record his 10^th KHL shutout.

19:00: Lokomotiv vs Avangard

Series stand
0-0

Series history
2024: 2^nd round meet-up. Lokomotiv Avangard 4-3.

About the game
The teams faced twice in this year’s regular season, with Lokomotiv emerging victorious in both battles (3:2, 5:3).
Lokomotiv’s forward Denis Alexeyev is on a six-game scoring streak, with 6 (1+5) points over that stretch.

Injury list
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin.
Avangard: Sergei Boikov.

Milestone alert
Avangard’s forward Danil Bashkirov may line up for his 300^th league appearance.