Lokomotiv on track for the finals

Backed by a dominant shutout performance from Daniil Isayev and a trio of young scorers, Lokomotiv heads into game five with a chance to close out the semifinals on home ice. Holding a 3-1 series lead, the Railwaymen look poised for a Gagarin Cup finals return, while Salavat Yulaev faces mounting pressure and questions in net. With history and milestones on the line, expect intensity in Yaroslavl as both teams fight for their playoff lives.

19:30: Lokomotiv vs Salavat Yulaev

Series stand
3-1 (1:3, 2:1, 4:2, 3:0).

About the game
Lokomotiv has now a fantastic chance to wrap up this semifinals series with the fifth game to be held at home in Yaroslavl – the Railwaymen need only a win today to return to the Gagarin Cup finals after losing to Metallurg last season. Goalie Daniil Isayev made 27 saves to secure his second shutout of the playoffs, while goals from the team’s rising stars – Daniil Tesanov, Ilya Nikolayev and Yegor Surin – led the Railwaymen to victory. The hosts tried to shake things up returning Alexander Samonov to the lineup, giving young netminder Semyon Vyazovoi some rest, but the move didn’t pan out as expected – Samonov only made 19 saves throughout the game, and goaltending may be an issue for Salavat Yulaev in a key game five.
Lokomotiv’s goalie Daniil Isayev enters today’s game on a 66:48 shutout streak.

Injury list
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin, Richard Panik.
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin.

Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Shalunov may reach 400 points in the league (currently at 398).
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.
Salavat Yulaev is still seeking to celebrate its 100^th victory in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.