The semifinals start today with Lokomotiv hosting Salavat Yulaev

The KHL semifinals kick off as Lokomotiv hosts Salavat Yulaev in Yaroslavl. The Ufa team won both regular-season meetings in extra time. Lokomotiv comes off a seven-game battle against Avangard, while Salavat Yulaev staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Spartak. The Railwaymen’s coach Igor Nikitin chases a milestone tonight, adding extra spice to an already thrilling matchup. Expect a tight contest as both sides fight for an early edge.

16:30: Lokomotiv vs Salavat Yulaev

Series stand
0-0

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

About the game
Salavat Yulaev defeated Lokomotiv twice this season, with the exact same outcome at home and on the road (2:3 OT, 2:3 OT).
In the first round Lokomotiv swept Torpedo (4-0), while Salavat Yulaev defeated Sibir in seven games (4-3).
In the second round, both teams needed seven games, with Lokomotiv defeating Avangard and Salavat Yulaev rallying back from a 1-3 score in the series against Spartak.

Injury list
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin.
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin.

Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s forward Alexander Polunin may score his 200^th point in the KHL (currently at 199).
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10^th shutout in the league.
Lokomotiv’s head coach Igor Nikitin may celebrate his 80^th win in the Gagarin Cup playoffs, surpassing Oleg Znarok (both currently at 79 wins). The record belongs to Zinetula Bilyaletdinov with 90 postseason victories.
Salavat Yulaev’s forward Pyotr Khokhryakov lines up for his 100^th appearance in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.