Dynamo looking to extend the series again!
Facing elimination, Dynamo Moscow avoided a sweep with a composed 3:1 victory over Traktor in game four of the Gagarin Cup semifinals. Missing key imports, the Blue-and-Whites relied on timely goals and solid defense to snap a playoff losing streak against the Chelyabinsk side. As the series shifts back to the Urals, Dynamo must deliver again to keep their hopes alive against a Traktor team still holding the upper hand.
17:00: Traktor vs Dynamo Moscow
Series stand
3-1 (4:3, 3:2, 3:2 2OT, 1:3).
About the game
With a strong performance in game four, Dynamo escaped a sweep in this year’s Gagarin Cup semifinal series against Traktor thanks to a 3:1 home win. It’s the first time in eight playoff games that the Blue-and-Whites have got the better of their rival from Chelyabinsk, after losing 0-4 in round two last season. Dynamo scored one goal per period in the first two frames, and this time Traktor failed to achieve a comeback as it frequently did in this year’s postseason. Without leading import players Maxime Comtois, out with an injury, and Cedric Paquette, who didn’t complete the third game, Dynamo controlled the lead in the third period, after allowing a tally to Grigory Dronov that allowed Maxim Shabanov keeping his point streak alive. However, Dynamo wasn’t worried for long – Anton Slepyshev found his first goal of this year’s Gagarin Cup playoffs as the Blue-and-Whites wrapped up the game as the series returns to the Urals. Dynamo is in a can’t-fail position again.
Traktor’s forward Maxim Shabanov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points over that span.
Milestone alert
Traktor’s forward Alexander Kadeikin may reach 200 KHL assists (currently at 199).
Traktor’s forward Vitaly Kravtsov may score his 200th league point (currently at 198).
