Series between Lokomotiv and Salavat Yulaev tied as action moves to Ufa
Lokomotiv evened the series with a solid 2:1 win in Game 2, bouncing back after a home loss. With the next two games set for Ufa, Salavat Yulaev aims to make the most of home ice and avoid a repeat of Lokomotiv’s road dominance from the previous round. A strong showing from Daniil Isayev and another key goal from Maxim Shalunov highlight the Railwaymen’s resurgence ahead of a crucial game three in Ufa.
14:00: Salavat Yulaev vs Lokomotiv
Series stand
1-1 (3:1, 1:2).
About the game
For the second series in a row, Lokomotiv recovered after dropping the opening game. Today’s 2:1 victory over Salavat Yulaev evens Sunday’s 1:3 loss at home. In the previous round, the Railwaymen then went to Omsk and won two more; Salavat’s task is to prevent a similar outcome as it heads to Ufa for the next two games. Salavat Yulaev got a boost of confidence as top scorer Joshua Leivo returned to the lineup, but the move wasn’t enough. The usual suspect Maxim Shalunov netted the game-winner for Lokomotiv, who could also count on 21 saves from goalie Daniil Isayev, finally playing at his usual level. The Railwaymen dominated most of the game, with Salavat Yulaev scoring only after Alexei Bereglazov deflected a pass into his own net in the closing frame. A late attempt by the guest did rattle the crossbar, but that was all they could do as Lokomotiv celebrated a deserved win in game two as the series moves to Ufa.
Injury list
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin, Richard Panik.
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin.
Milestone alert
Salavat Yulaev may still celebrate its 100th victory in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
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 defenseman Alexei Bereglazov lines up for his 150th game in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
