Game Two awaits as Avangard, Lokomotiv look to extend leads!
Avangard and Lokomotiv drew first blood with disciplined, low-scoring wins, shutting out CSKA and edging Salavat Yulaev to take early control of their series, as both matchups now hinge on whether the trailing sides can break through two red-hot defenses and in-form goaltenders in Game Two.
16:30: Avangard (2nd E) vs CSKA (4th W)
Series stand:
1-0 (3:0).
About the game
Igor Nikitin’s CSKA is famed for its tight game, yet it was Guy Boucher’s Avangard that claimed a shut-out in the opening game of the series. The Hawks flew high with one goal per period, with former CSKA’s scorer Konstantin Okulov netting a double, making it a six-point performance across the last three Avangard’s games, and Michael McLeod netting his first goal in this year’s elimination stage in the middle frame. Nikita Serebryakov posted 19 saves for Avangard as he blanked the opposition for the first time in this year’s playoffs.
Avangard’s goalie Nikita Serebryakov is on a 75:15 shutout streak.
Avangard’s forward Michael McLeod is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points over that stretch.
Avangard’s forward Konstantin Okulov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 6 (4+2) points.
Avangard’s defenseman Damir Sharipzyanov had at least an assist in each of his previous three matches, totaling four helpers.
Injury list
Avangard: Ivan Igumnov.
CSKA: Danila Moiseyev, Vladislav Provolnev.
Milestone alert
Avangard’s forward Konstantin Okulov may net his 200th career goal (currently at 198).
Avangard’s defenseman Semyon Chistyakov may reach 100 assists in the KHL (currently at 99).
19:30: Lokomotiv (1st W) vs Salavat Yulaev (5th E)
Series stand:
1-0 (1:0).
About the game
A solitary goal from usual suspect Maxim Shalunov was enough to win this game for Lokomotiv. The defending champion kept a dangerous Ufa offense at a bay as goalie Daniil Isayev made 28 saves for the Railwaymen. It was the first game-winning goal for the Lokomotiv’s scorer, who is expected to raise his game as each game matters more – as he usually does. Maxim Beryozkin and Rushan Rafikov assisted Shalunov as the teams enter the second game knowing that nothing will be the same. Semyon Vyazovoi had 24 saves for Salavat Yulaev as he will try to give his team a chance in Game Two today.
Lokomotiv’s goalie Daniil Isayev is on a 92:32 shutout streak.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Rushan Rafikov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points over that streak.
Injury list
Salavat Yulaev: Alexander Komarov, Prokhor Korbit, Evgeny Kulik, Gleb Kuzmin.
Milestone alert
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.
Lokomotiv’s forward Nikita Kiryanov lines up for his 200th career appearance.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Nikita Cherepanov reaches 100 appearances in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
Salavat Yulaev’s defenseman Alexei Vasilevsky lines up for his 700th career game.
Salavat Yulaev’s forward Evgeny Kuznetsov may score his 100th goal in the KHL (currently at 99).
Salavat Yulaev’s forward Pyotr Khokhryakov may reach 100 KHL assists (currently at 99).
Salavat Yulaev’s goalie Semyon Vyazovoi may reach 100 KHL games and record his 10th KHL shutout.
