Traktor eyes game four bounceback
Lokomotiv seized the advantage in the Gagarin Cup final with a clinical 5:2 win in Chelyabinsk, taking a 2-1 series lead. Artur Kayumov led the charge with two goals, while veteran Alexander Radulov extended his scoring streak to four games. Traktor, missing key players in game three, hopes to bounce back with Charles Robinson and Andrei Svetlakov likely to return for game four. As the series stays in Chelyabinsk, the pressure is now firmly on the home team.
17:00: Traktor vs Lokomotiv
Series stand
1-2 (2:1, 1:4, 2:5).
About the game
The Railwaymen moved up 2-1 for the third series in a row after picking up a key win in Chelyabinsk. Traktor’s first Gagarin Cup final home game since 2013 ended in disappointment, as the visitor skated to a 5:2 victory. Two tallies from Artur Kayumov led the way for Lokomotiv as the Railwaymen got in front in the series. Another road win for Igor Nikitin’s men – a sixth in seven away games in this year’s playoffs – ensures another turnaround for Yaroslavl after losing the opening game on Tuesday.
Traktor had to renounce to Charles Robinson and Andrei Svetlakov, with Yegor Popov and Alexander Rykov taking their places. Popov was making his first appearance since late February, while Rykov scored his first career playoffs goal. For Lokomotiv, veteran Alexander Radulov kept his scoring streak alive, with Richard Panik and Byron Froese also getting to the scoresheet. On goal, Daniil Isayev posted 23 saves, against Fucale’s 21 for Traktor. The series continues in Chelyabinsk – and now it’s Traktor’s turn to play catch-up. For today’s game, it’s likely that the hosts will recover both Robinson and Svetlakov.
Lokomotiv’s forward Alexander Radulov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 7 (2+5) points over that span.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Andrei Sergeyev had at least an assist in each of his previous three games, totaling four helpers.
Injury list
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin
Milestone alert
Traktor’s forward Vitaly Kravtsov may reach 200 KHL points (currently at 198).
Traktor’s forward Alexander Kadeikin may record his 200th KHL assist (currently at 199).
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Shalunov may reach 400 league points (currently at 399).
Lokomotiv’s forward Alexander Polunin may record his 100th assist in the KHL (currently at 99).
Lokomotiv’s forward Artur Kayumov lines up for his 500th league appearance.
