Lokomotiv and Salavat Yulaev face off for game two!
Salavat Yulaev struck first in the series, surprising Lokomotiv with a 3:1 away win in game one. The Railwaymen now aim to regroup and even the score tonight in game two, while Salavat seeks to build on its strong start.
19:30: Lokomotiv vs Salavat Yulaev
Series stand
0-1 (1:3).
About the game
Salavat Yulaev surprised Lokomotiv in game one, with strong performances from goalie Semyon Vyazovoi and forward Daniil Alalykin. Vyazovoi posted 27 saves and had two assists, while Alalykin opened the scoring with fewer than two minutes played and get the puck to Mikhail Naumenkov for the third-period game winner. D-man Rushan Rafikov scored for the Railwaymen, who once again saw a below-average performance from goalie Daniil Isayev, who only had 17 stops, going below 90% for the third time in the last four matches. 2007-born Alexander Zharovsky scored his first KHL point when Alalykin netted his goal in the opening frame. Lokomotiv will need to up its game in the second match.
Injury list
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin, Richard Panik.
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Nikita Cherepanov lines up for his 600th KHL appearance.
Lokomotiv’s forward Alexander Polunin may score his 200th point in the KHL (currently at 199).
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10th shutout in the league.
Lokomotiv’s head coach Igor Nikitin may celebrate his 80th win in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
Salavat Yulaev may celebrate its 100th victory in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
