Elimination on the line as Game 4 may seal two series
Elimination looms in two series, with Metallurg and Dinamo Minsk holding commanding 3–0 leads over Sibir and Dynamo Moscow respectively. Elsewhere, Avangard and Lokomotiv are ahead 2–1 against Neftekhimik and Spartak, with Game Four offering a chance to either push to the brink or bring the series back to level terms.
15:30: Sibir (8th E) vs Metallurg (1st E)
Series stand
0-3 (1:4, 1:5, 1:3).
About the game
Continental Cup champion Metallurg is one game away from advancing to the second round after Saturday’s win in Novosibirsk. Andrei Razin’s team is up 3-0 in the series, and can finish the job with a win today. Alexander Petunin, Derek Barach, and Sergei Tolchinsky all scored their first goals of this year’s playoffs, as Magnitka also enjoyed a two-point night from Swedish defenseman Robin Press, who has been one of Metallurg’s best players, especially over the last couple of games. In the end of the game Sibir lost some temper and at this point it’s hard to think that the Novosibirsk side can save the series.
Metallurg’s forward Vladimir Tkachyov is on a seven-game scoring streak, with 9 (2+7) points over that stretch.
Metallurg’s forward Alexander Petunin is on a six-game scoring streak, with 6 (3+3) points.
Injury list
Sibir: Ilya Talaluyev.
Metallurg: Dmitry Silantyev.
Milestone alert
Metallurg’s defenseman Artyom Minulin lines up for his 400th league appearance, while forward Lucas Johnson reaches 200.
19:30: Neftekhimik (7th E) vs Avangard (2nd E)
Series stand
1-2 (2:4, 4:3 2ОТ, 1:2).
About the game
Dmitry Rashevsky was the hero for the Hawks, scoring two late goals to turn game three around and restore Avangard’s lead in the series after a double-OT Neftekhimik’s win in the second match. A powerplay goal by Luka Profaca gave the Wolves hope for a second win, before Rashevsky’s show. Goalies were excellent for both sides, with Filipp Dolganov making 40 stops for Neftekhimik and Serebryakov having 31 saves for Avangard, who will however enter today’s game up in the series.
Neftekhimik’s defenseman Artyom Serikov had an assist in each of his previous three matches.
Injury list
Neftekhimik: Vladislav Barulin.
Milestone alert
Avangard’s defenseman Semyon Chistyakov may record his 100th career assist (currently at 99).
19:30: Spartak (8th W) vs Lokomotiv (1st W)
Series stand
1-2 (3:5, 2:1 ОТ, 3:4 ОТ).
About the game
Artur Kayumov’s OT winner saw Gagarin Cup champion Lokomotiv regain the lead in its KHL playoff first round series against Spartak. The Railwaymen were close to win the game in regulation, but allowed a tying goal from Ivan Morozov with just 90 seconds left to play. Maxim Shalunov, Alexander Radulov, and Byron Froese also scored for Loko, while Daniil Gutik and Pavel Poryadin joined Morozov as Spartak’s goal scorers. It wasn’t the best game for the Red-and-Whites goalie Alexander Georgiyev, who only stopped 18 shots out of 22. Will Zhamnov swap his starting goalie for game four?
Spartak’s forward Ivan Morozov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that stretch.
Lokomotiv’s forward Georgy Ivanov is on a three-game scoring streak, also with 4 (2+2) points.
Milestone alert
Spartak’s forward Ivan Morozov may reach 200 KHL points (currently at 199).
Lokomotiv’s forward Pavel Kraskovsky may score his 200th career point (currently at 198), while defenseman Alexander Yelesin may reach 100 (currently at 99).
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Shalunov may record his 200th career assist (currently at 199).
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10th KHL shutout.
19:30: Dynamo Moscow (7th W) vs Dinamo Minsk (2nd W)
Series stand
0-3 (1:3, 1:4, 1:2 ОТ).
About the game
An overtime goal from Sam Anas secured a third successive victory for Dinamo Minsk as the Muscovites’ lack of firepower continues to hurt. The Russian team has been unable to score more than once in any game in this year’s playoffs, and will surely need to change that immediately if it is not to fall to a first-round sweep. Vitaly Pinchuk also scored for the Belarusians, who had another strong performance between the piping from Zach Fucale, who posted 31 saves and had an assist. D-man Artyom Sergeyev scored for Dynamo Moscow, whose forwards keep on not impressing in this first-round series. They should raise their game to avoid an early exit today itself.
Dinamo Minsk’s forward Sam Anas is on an eight-game scoring streak, with 12 (5+7) points over that stretch.
Injury list
Dynamo Moscow: Fredrik Claesson, Kirill Gotovets, Artyom Mikheyev.
Dinamo Minsk: Daniil Sotishvili.
Milestone alert
Dinamo Minsk’s forward Kirill Voronin may line up for his 600th career appearance.
Dinamo Minsk’s forward Stanislav Galiyev may reach 300 KHL points (currently at 298).
Dinamo Minsk’s goalie Vasily Demchenko may record his 30th KHL shutout.
Dynamo Moscow’s goalie Maxim Motorygin may record his 10th career shutout.
