Metallurg looking to finish the job in Game Five as Torpedo fight to extend series
Torpedo kept their playoff hopes alive with an overtime escape in Game Four, battling back from a slow start, but Metallurg returns to Magnitogorsk with a chance to close out the series and avoid a sixth game.
17:00: Metallurg (1st E) vs Torpedo (5th W)
Series stand
3-1 (4:3, 4:1, 4:2, 2:3 ОТ).
About the game
In Game Four, Torpedo stayed alive in extra time, when Yegor Vinogradov found the back of the net for a powerplay winner to force a fifth game in the series and a return to Magnitogorsk. It was a great performance for the Nizhny Novgorod side, who was down by three games in the series and two goals in the fourth match following goals by Alexander Petunin and Artyom Minulin. However, Torpedo showed character, with Vladislav Firstov and Alexei Kruchinin rallying back in the third period. Denis Kostin had an impressive 40 saves, while Nikita Mikhailis had two assists for Metallurg. With the series still alive, Torpedo will look for another win today.
Injury list
Metallurg: Dmitry Silantyev.
Milestone alert
Metallurg’s forward Sergei Tolchinsky may reach 200 KHL assists (currently at 198).
Metallurg’s forward Vladimir Tkachyov lines up for his 100th appearance in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
Torpedo’s forwards Amir Garayev and Dmitry Shevchenko may score their 100th career point (currently at 99).
