Do or die for Dynamo Moscow in game four!
Down 0-3 in the series, Dynamo Moscow faces elimination as Traktor Chelyabinsk eyes a sweep and a long-awaited return to the Gagarin Cup finals. Game three saw the first OT of the semifinals, with Maxim Shabanov sealing the win and extending his scoring streak. With no penalties in regulation last time out, discipline may again prove crucial. Can Dynamo fight back on home ice, or will Traktor finish the job today in the capital?
17:00: Dynamo Moscow vs Traktor
Series stand
0-3 (3:4, 2:3, 2:3 2OT).
About the game
For the first time in this year’s Gagarin Cup semifinals, the action went to overtime, with Maxim Shabanov giving Traktor the verdict as the Chelyabinsk side is now at just one win to a return to the Gagarin Cup finals after the loss to the Blue-and-Whites back in 2013. Traktor, almost as usual, never led in 83 minutes of play until Shabanov snapped a 2:2 tie and put Benoit Groulx’s men up 3-0 in the series. It was notable that neither team took a penalty during regulation, and this discipline can be key in the next game in the Russian capital. With his goal in OT, Shabanov is now on a three-game scoring streak. Both goalies played a strong game in the third contest, with Podyapolsky stopping 42 shots and Fucale completing 30 saves. The Muscovites must win now to avoid ending their season.
Traktor’s forward Maxim Shabanov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points over that span.
Milestone alert
Traktor’s forward Alexander Kadeikin may reach 200 KHL assists (currently at 199), while forward Maxim Shabanov may get to 100 (currently at 99).
Traktor’s forward Vitaly Kravtsov may score his 200th league point (currently at 198).
