Dinamo Minsk and Dynamo Moscow looking to tie things up in game four
Dinamo Minsk looks to ride momentum after an 8:0 blowout to even the series against Traktor, while Dynamo Moscow aims to build on a crucial road win and tighten their grip on Ak Bars. With both capital teams trying to capitalize on surging form and key scoring streaks, tonight’s games promise intensity, unpredictability, and perhaps another twist in two fiercely contested Gagarin Cup battles.
19:30: Dinamo Minsk vs Traktor
Series stand
1-2 (2:4, 3:4 ОТ, 8:0).
About the game
After leading in the last minute and losing, then blowing a three-goal advantage just to lose again, in game three the Belarusians built a margin that Traktor could not hope to claw back. The Bison roared back into this contest with a crushing 8:0 victory on home ice, leaving no chances to Traktor. Vadim Moroz scored two highlight-reel goals, while Roman Gorbunov had a hat-trick of assists as Dinamo Minsk collected a home win that the crowd will remember in the future no matter the outcome of the series. The game also saw Brady Lyle’s first snipe in the Gagarin Cup playoffs. For Traktor, Zach Fucale only stopped eight of twelve attempts as he was benched in the middle frame. In the fourth game, Dinamo Minsk will have an excellent chance to ride the waves and tie things up at two on home ice.
Dinamo Minsk’s forward Yegor Borikov is on a five-game scoring streak, with 7 (6+1) points over that span.
Dinamo Minsk's forward Ilya Usov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (3+3) points.
Dinamo Minsk’s forward Daniil Lipsky is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points.
19:30: Ak Bars vs Dynamo Moscow
Series stand
2-1 (5:3, 2:0, 1:3).
About the game
The Muscovites finally found their game back and celebrated a critical away win in the series, running away with a 3:1 victory mostly thanks to a strong second period, with goals coming from Maxim Dzhioshvili and Jordan Weal. In the closing frame, Dmitry Rashevsky found his first goal in this year’s elimination stage, while Mitchel Miller’s powerplay tally was nothing more than a consolation goal for the hosts, who will be looking to improve their game as game four approaches. Vladislav Podyapolsky was excellent in his 350th league appearance, saving 32 shots out of 33 and recording his second win in this edition of the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
Ak Bars’ defenseman Mitchel Miller is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (2+3) points over that span.
Injury list
Ak Bars: Yegor Babenko.
