Metallurg faces crucial test in Game Four against Ak Bars
Ak Bars seized control of the series with a convincing home victory in Game Three and now has a chance to move within one win of the final, while Metallurg looks for a much stronger response to avoid falling into a dangerous 3-1 deficit.
15:00: Ak Bars (3rd E) vs Metallurg (1st E)
Series stand
2-1 (5:2, 2:4, 4:1).
About the game
Two goals in the first period from Dmitry Katelevsky proved to be the catalyst for an Ak Bars victory in game three of this semifinal series against Metallurg. The Tatarstan club moved in front 2-1 in the series against the regular season champion. Dmitrij Jaskin and Kirill Semyonov also scored for the hosts, who had a strong performance from Timur Bilyalov between the piping, with 27 saves. Robin Press’ fifth goal of the elimination stage wasn’t enough for Magnitka, who will need to raise its game to tie the series in the fourth match. Ilya Nabokov was once again underwhelming, with only thirteen saves after a good showing in Game Two. Maybe Andrei Razin will move to Alexander Smolin again for the key showdown in Game Four.
Ak bars’ defenseman Mitchell Miller had at least an assist in each of his previous six matches, totaling nine helpers.
Ak Bars’ forward Kirill Semyonov is also on a six-game scoring streak, with 9 (2+7) points over that stretch.
Injury list
Metallurg: Dmitry Silantyev.
Milestone alert
Ak Bars’ goalie Timur Bilyalov may record his 40th career shutout.
