Momentum up for grabs in Avangard vs Lokomotiv and Spartak vs Salavat Yulaev series
Both second-round series head into Game 3 with the score tied at one, setting the stage for pivotal battles. Avangard and Lokomotiv traded convincing wins in the opening games, and now shift to Omsk with momentum up for grabs. Meanwhile, Spartak pulled off a dramatic extra time win in Ufa thanks to Adam Ruzicka’s heroics, evening things up with Salavat Yulaev. As the action moves to Moscow, expect more fireworks in two tightly contested matchups.
16:30: Avangard vs Lokomotiv
Series stand
1-1 (4:1, 1:4).
About the game
After dropping game one 1:4, the Railwaymen hit back to win game two by the same scoreline. This second-round series heads East with nothing between the teams and everything to play for with the scoring tied at one. Lokomotiv wanted revenge after being surprised in the first match, and got it. The Railwaymen had an aggressive start and went up by two in the middle frame with a strong performance by leading forward Maxim Shalunov. Avangard somewhat managed to cut its disadvantage with Vladimir Tkachyov, but Lokomotiv managed to control the rest of the game, taking great efforts to take the Hawks on the perimeter and allowing few spaces, adding a couple of tallies to seal the deal in the third period. The series now moves to Omsk
Avangard’s forward Michael McLeod is on a four-game scoring streak, with 5 (1+4) points over that span.
Lokomotiv’s forward Alexander Radulov is also on a four-game scoring streak, with 5 (2+3) points over that stretch.
Injury list
Avangard: Sergei Boikov.
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin.
Milestone alert
Avangard’s forward Danil Bashkirov may line up for his 300th league appearance.
Avangard’s forward Nikolai Prokhorkin may record his 200th assist in the KHL (currently at 199).
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Rushan Rafikov may score his 200th league point (currently at 198).
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10th KHL shutout.
Lokomotiv’s head coach Igor Nikitin may celebrate his 450th win in the KHL.
19:30: Spartak vs Salavat Yulaev
Series stand
1-1 (1:4, 5:4 ОТ).
About the game
Once again, Adam Ruzicka was instrumental for Spartak. The Slovak forward stole the show in Ufa, netting a hat-trick, including the game-winner in extra time, and a tying goal with only 0.2 seconds left on the clock. Other than Ruzicka, Andrei Loktionov was excellent for the Muscovites as the forward recorded a goal and two helpers. For the Ufa franchise, Rempal halted his scoring streak, while Dennis Yan continued in his personal streak of goals against Spartak. The series will now move to the Russian capital with the teams tied at one.
Spartak’s forward Andrei Loktionov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (1+4) points over that span.
Spartak’s defenseman Andrei Mironov is also on a three-game scoring streak, but with 4 (1+3) points.
Salavat Yulaev’s forward Dennis Yan is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (4+1) points over that stretch.
Salavat Yulaev’s defenseman Yaroslav Tsulygin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points.
Injury list
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin, Nathan Todd.
Milestone alert
Spartak’s goalie Dmitry Nikolayev may record his 10th KHL shutout.
