Metallurg out to reset series after Game One setback against Ak Bars
Ak Bars seized the initiative with a commanding Game One road win, but with Metallurg’s goaltending under scrutiny and the regular season champions eager to respond, Game Two sets up a pivotal test as Magnitka look to level the series on home ice.
17:00: Metallurg (1st E) vs Ak Bars (3rd E)
Series stand
0-1 (2:5).
About the game
A powerful first period saw Ak Bars take control of the opening game of this series against Metallurg. The visitor took a somewhat unexpected 5:2 verdict at the regular season champion to enjoy an early advantage in the series. Alexander Chmelevsky’s double paced a road win for Kazan, who also enjoyed goals from Ilya Safonov (in his 400th KHL game), Nikita Dynyak, and Nathan Todd. Metallurg found the 1:3 goal in the second period with Lucas Johnson’s first postseason goal, but it wasn’t enough. Alexander Petunin also scored for Magnitka, with Johnson taking home another point. Alexander Smolin started the game for Metallurg, but was replaced after fifteen minutes and three allowed goals. Ilya Nabokov, however, didn’t fare much better, with only eleven stops. However, today’s game will be much different.
Metallurg’s forward Alexander Petunin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (2+1) points over that streak.
Ak Bars’ goalie Maxim Arefyev is on a 123:21 shutout streak.
Ak Bars’ defenseman Nikita Lyamkin is on a nine-game scoring streak, with 11 (2+9) points over that span.
Ak Bars’ defenseman Mitchell Miller had at least an assist across his last four matches, totaling seven helpers.
Ak Bars’ forward Kirill Semyonov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (1+5) points.
Ak Bars’ forward Ilya Safonov is also on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points.
Injury list
Metallurg: Dmitry Silantyev.
Milestone alert
Ak Bars’ goalie Timur Bilyalov may record his 40th shutout in the KHL.
