Avangard looks to regain control as Lokomotiv builds momentum in Game Four

Lokomotiv climbed back into the series with a crucial road win in Omsk and now heads into Game Four with renewed belief, while Avangard looks to respond quickly and protect its advantage before the matchup shifts back to Yaroslavl.

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

Series stand
2-1 (5:2, 3:1, 2:4)

About the game
Down 2-0 in the series, and 0:2 at the first intermission, Lokomotiv’s grip on the Gagarin Cup looked to be down to its fingertips. But a big fightback in game three secured a 4:2 victory in Omsk, reinvigorating Bob Hartley’s hopes of taking his team to the final despite the first two games. Alexander Radulov netted the game-winner for the Railwaymen who had four different scorers in the match and enjoyed two assists from Georgy Ivanov in his 100^th postseason appearance. Daniil Isayev had a strong performance for the first time in this series, stopping 25 shots for Lokomotiv. Now, the Railwaymen will be looking to tie things up in Game Four.
Avangard’s forward Konstantin Okulov had at least an assist in each of his previous four matches, totaling six helpers.
Avangard’s forward Andrew Poturalski is on a three-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points over that stretch.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Andrei Sergeyev is also on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points.

Injury list
Avangard: Ivan Igumnov.

Milestone alert
Avangard’s defenseman Semyon Chistyakov may reach 100 career assists (currently at 99).
Avangard’s defenseman Marsel Ibragimov lines up for his 200^th KHL game.
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Shalunov plays his 800^th KHL game today. Throughout his career, the two-time Gagarin Cup champion has 248 goals and 202 assists. He also has a chance to reach 250 goals in the league.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Alexei Bereglazov may reach 50 points in the Gagarin Cup playoffs (currently at 49).
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).