All ready for Game Two in Yaroslavl
Radulov’s leadership, Beryozkin’s timely scoring and Isayev’s strong play in net helped Lokomotiv draw first blood in the Gagarin Cup finals, but Ak Bars now heads into Game Two looking for a response before the series shifts to Kazan.
19:00: Lokomotiv (1st W) vs Ak Bars (3rd E)
Series stand:
1-0 (3:1).
About the game
The opening day of the Gagarin Cup final brought victory for Lokomotiv. Two goals in a minute early in the second period paved the way for a 3:1 success for the defending champion, with Alexander Radulov once again being one of the best players on the Yaroslavl ice, if not the best. Maxim Beryozkin scored the game-winning goal once again after his semifinal’s decider, while Byron Froese added a third for the Railwaymen in a powerplay stretch. Mitchell Miller’s late power-play tally proved relevant only for the final statistics. Daniil Isayev had an impressive 31 saves for Yaroslavl, who will be seeking to double the advantage today in Game Two.
Lokomotiv’s forward Maxim Shalunov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (4+2) points over that stretch.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10th KHL shutout.
Lokomotiv’s forward Richard Panik lines up for his 100th league appearance.
Lokomotiv’s forward Pavel Kraskovsky may reach 200 league points (currently at 198).
Lokomotiv’s goalie Daniil Isayev may record his 40th career shutout.
Lokomotiv’s forward Artur Kayumov may record his 300th career point (currently at 298).
Lokomotiv’s forward Alexander Polunin lines up for his 100th game in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
Ak Bars’ defenseman Ilya Karpukhin reaches 500 career appearances.
Ak Bars’ defenseman Nikita Lyamkin lines up for his 100th game in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
Ak Bars’ goalie Timur Bilyalov may record his 40th career shutout.
