Lokomotiv, Spartak poised to press their edge
Avangard vs Lokomotiv and Spartak vs Salavat Yulaev headline today’s action as the playoffs heat up. Lokomotiv and Spartak both hold 2-1 leads and are looking to press their advantage in pivotal Game fours. With stars like Maxim Shalunov and Adam Ruzicka on fire, and key milestones on the line, expect intense battles as the Railwaymen and Red-and-Whites aim to tighten their grip on their respective series.
16:30: Avangard vs Lokomotiv
Series stand
1-2 (4:1, 1:4, 2:6).
About the game
After the first game, Avangard was up in the series, and it looked like it would have been a battle to get out of the second round. However, in game three, Loko appeared too much to handle for the Hawks. Young forward Maxim Beryozkin netted a double, while the even younger Yegor Surin scored his first goal in the Gagarin Cup playoffs. Usual suspect Maxim Shalunov potted the game-winner for the Railwaymen, who will be the clear favorites to win the series should they achieve a second win in Omsk. With Nikita Serebryakov having a tough time in game three, perhaps Guy Boucher will opt to give a game to Mikhail Berdin. For Lokomotiv, Daniil Isayev recorded 28 stops in another strong performance, helping head coach Igor Nikitin celebrating his 450th win in the KHL. Game four will be pivotal for the series, with the Hawks hunting to tie things up and Lokomotiv trying to double its advantage.
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Shalunov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (2+3) points over that span.
Injury list
Avangard: Sergei Boikov.
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv may celebrate its 100th win in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
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.
Avangard’s forwards Danil Bashkirov and Igor Martynov may line up for their 300th league appearance.
Avangard’s forward Nikolai Prokhorkin may record his 200th assist in the KHL (currently at 199).
Avangard’s forward Reid Boucher may reach 50 points in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
19:30: Spartak vs Salavat Yulaev
Series stand
2-1 (1:4, 5:4 ОТ, 4:2).
About the game
Adam Ruzicka scored again, in front of an almost sellout crowd at the Megasport Arena in Moscow, with Artyom Zagidulin making 31 saves as the Red-and-Whites got in front in the series. After a difficult game, Salavat Yulaev handed a start to Semyon Vyazovoi, but the move didn’t pan out as expected. Ufa’s imports managed to get a goal with Sheldon Rempal, but it wasn’t enough for the guests to cause any real worry to Spartak. Salavat Yulaev must do a better job in game four to return to contention – and stop Adam Ruzicka, who scored five goals in this series so far.
Spartak’s forward Andrei Loktionov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (1+5) points over that span.
Spartak’s forward Adam Ruzicka scored five goals in the first three games of the series.
Injury list
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin, Nathan Todd.
Milestone alert
Spartak’s goalie Dmitry Nikolayev may record his 10th KHL shutout.
