Elimination nears as Metallurg and Ak Bars push for the final verdict
Metallurg and Ak Bars stand on the brink of a sweep as both series continue on the road, with Torpedo and Dinamo Minsk facing elimination and in urgent need of a response to keep their seasons alive and force the series back to Magnitogorsk and Minsk.
19:30: Torpedo (6th W) vs Metallurg (1st E)
Series stand
0-3 (3:4, 1:4, 2:4).
About the game
A second-period blitz helped Metallurg open a 3-0 lead in the series against Torpedo, who once again looked like without chances despite scoring first in the opening frame with former Magnitka’s forward Igor Geraskin setting up veteran Alexei Kruchinin. However, Metallurg reacted with four different scorers in the middle frame, with Andrei Kozlov, Nikita Mikhailis, Artyom Minulin, and Ruslan Iskhakov finding the back of the net – for all of them but Mikhailis, it was the first goal in this year’s elimination stage. A late goal by Vasily Atanasov had little meaning in the game’s outcome. At this point, it’s hard to think that Torpedo can turn the tide and rally back in the series.
Torpedo’s forward Amir Garayev had an assist in each of his previous three matches.
Metallurg’s forward Sergei Tolchinsky is also on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points over that stretch.
Metallurg’s forward Derek Barach had at least an assist in each of his previous three games, totaling four helpers.
Injury list
Metallurg: Dmitry Silantyev.
Milestone alert
Torpedo’s forward Dmitry Shevchenko and Amir Garayev may reach 100 career points (currently both at 99).
Metallurg’s forward Sergei Tolchinsky may record his 200th assist in the KHL (currently at 198).
19:30: Ak Bars (3rd E) vs Dinamo Minsk (2nd W)
Series stand
3-0 (2:1, 5:4 ОТ, 4:0).
About the game
A first playoff shut-out for goalie Maxim Arefyev helped Ak Bars to a 4:0 win over Dinamo Minsk as the series moved to Kazan. The Tatars now lead 3-0. Anvar Gatiyatulin’s team produced another display of clinical finishing, coupled with some great goaltending from Maxim Arefyev, to claim a big home win over Dinamo after two victories in Belarus. Four different scores entertained the home crowd, with Alexander Barabanov, Dmitrij Jaskin, Nikita Lyamkin, and Kirill Semyonov finding the back of the net. Arefyev had 37 saves for Kazan, while Zach Fucale was benched after allowing three goals. Mitchell Miller had two assists for Ak Bars. Dinamo Minsk is now in a do-or-die situation and must find a way to return the series in front of its home crowd.
Ak Bars’ goalie Maxim Arefyev is on a 123:21 shutout streak.
Ak Bars’ defenseman Nikita Lyamkin is on a seven-game scoring streak, with 8 (1+7) points over that stretch.
Milestone alert
Ak Bars’ goalie Timur Bilyalov may record his 40th career shutout.
Dinamo Minsk’s netminder Vasily Demchenko may reach 30 KHL shutouts.
