Lokomotiv eyes the title as series returns to Kazan
Lokomotiv arrives in Kazan with the Gagarin Cup within touching distance after a commanding Game Five victory, while Ak Bars faces a win-or-go-home showdown on home ice as it tries to extend the series and force a decisive Game Seven.
19:30: Ak Bars (3rd E) vs Lokomotiv (1st W)
Series stand:
2-3 (1:3, 5:1, 1:4, 2:1, 1:4).
About the game
A quickfire double blast midway through the game helped Lokomotiv to victory in Game Five of the Gagarin Cup final. The defending champion is now up 3-2 in the series and can wrap things up in Kazan today. Byron Froese was the hero of the night with a double, as the win gave Bob Hartley’s team the lead in the series, leaving Ak Bars facing a win-or-bust test on home ice to try and drag the series to a game seven decider. Alexander Chmelevski and Nathan Todd continued their scoring streak, but it wasn’t enough for Ak Bars, who benched Timur Bilyalov after Loko’s third of the night. Top goalie Daniil Isayev made 25 saves in his 50th win in the Gagarin Cup playoffs. Nikita Kiryanov and Artur Kayumov also scored for the Railwaymen, who are now eyeing their second straight triumph in the Gagarin Cup. But Ak Bars will at least want to force a seventh match.
Ak Bars’ forward Alexander Chmelevski is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (2+1) points over that stretch.
Ak Bars’ forward Nathan Todd is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points.
Milestone alert
Ak Bars’ goalie Timur Bilyalov may record his 40th career shutout and his 50th win in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
Ak Bars’ forward Artyom Galimov may net his 100th career goal (currently at 98).
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10th KHL shutout.
Lokomotiv’s forward Pavel Kraskovsky and defenseman Alexei Bereglazov may reach 200 league points (currently both are sitting at 198).
Lokomotiv’s goalie Daniil Isayev may record his 40th career shutout.
