Avangard looks to extend lead as series shifts to Omsk

After a fiery and penalty-filled battle in Yaroslavl, the series shifts to Omsk with Avangard in control and looking to extend their lead, while Lokomotiv face a crucial test as they try to respond and avoid falling into a deeper hole.

16:30: Avangard (3^rd E) vs Lokomotiv (1^st W)

Series stand
2-0 (5:2, 3:1).

About the game
It was a real battle in Yaroslavl for Game Two. A pair of goals in 68 seconds midway through the second period turned around the second game of the series. Vasily Ponomaryov and Damir Sharipzyanov put Avangard in front and the Hawks went on to win a fiery game in Yaroslavl. The teams accumulated 144 penalty minutes, including one incident that saw all ten skaters on the ice assessed roughing minors following the opening goal by the Railwaymen. Later, when there was a five-on-three opportunity, Andrew Poturalski delivered the knock-out blow for Avangard. Now the series heads east for games three and four in Omsk as the Hawks hold a commanding advantage, while Lokomotiv won’t be comfortable trailing behind having previously dropped just one game in two rounds.
Avangard’s forward Konstantin Okulov had at least one assist in the last five matches, totaling five helpers.

Injury list
Avangard: Ivan Igumnov.

Milestone alert
Avangard’s defensemen Artyom Blazhiyevsky and Semyon Chistyakov may reach 100 career assists (currently both at 99).
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Rushan Rafikov lines up for his 700^th career game.
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10^th KHL shutout.
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Shalunov may score his 250^th career goal (currently at 248).
Lokomotiv’s forward Pavel Kraskovsky may reach 200 career points (currently at 198).
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Alexei Bereglazov may reach 50 points in the Gagarin Cup playoffs (currently at 49).
Lokomotiv’s forward Georgy Ivanov lines up for his 100^th appearance in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.