Spartak, Lokomotiv looking to close the series
Salavat Yulaev faces elimination today as Spartak, riding a wave of scoring streaks and power play success, looks to close out the series in Ufa. Then, Lokomotiv returns home with a chance to finish off Avangard after Alexander Radulov’s OT heroics gave the Railwaymen their 100th Gagarin Cup win. Both games carry milestone potential, high stakes, and storylines packed with drama as all four teams fight to shape their playoff destiny.
14:00: Salavat Yulaev vs Spartak
Series stand
1-3 (4:1, 4:5 ОТ, 2:4, 2:6).
About the game
Spartak’s power play produced three goals to set up a comfortable home win for the Muscovites in the fourth game of the series. Today, Alexei Zhamnov’s team can wrap up the series in Ufa, but Salavat Yulaev will hope that home advantage can enable it to at least prolong the battle despite dropping three games in a row after a nice win in the first encounter. Adam Ruzicka scored once again (and added two assists) for the Red-and-Whites, who could also count on multi-point performances from Andrei Loktionov (two helpers) and Ivam Morozov (two goals). In goal, Artyom Zagidulin stopped 30 shots. Leivo’s second goal in the elimination stage wasn’t enough for Ufa, who has now its back against the wall for a critical clash in game five.
Salavat Yulaev’s forward Alexander Chmelevsky had an assist in each of his previous three matches.
Spartak’s forward Andrei Loktionov is on a five-game scoring streak, with 8 (1+7) points over that span.
Spartak’s forward Adam Ruzicka is on a four-game scoring streak, with 8 (6+2) points.
Spartak’s forward Ivan Morozov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points.
Spartak’s forward Nikolai Goldobin is also on a three-game scoring streak, but with 3 (2+1) points.
Spartak’s forward Yegor Filin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points.
Injury list
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin, Nathan Todd.
Milestone alert
Spartak’s goalie Dmitry Nikolayev may record his 10th KHL shutout.
17:00: Lokomotiv vs Avangard
Series stand
3-1 (1:4, 4:1, 6:2, 2:1 ОТ).
About the game
Alexander Radulov proved his worth once again as his overtime winner moved Lokomotiv to within one game of progressing. Radulov, who moved to Yaroslavl in the summer, is still seeking a second Gagarin Cup after winning with Salavat Yulaev back in 2011. Today he claimed his third goal of the 2025 KHL playoffs to sink Avangard and make it two straight wins on the road for the Railwaymen, who also celebrated their 100th win in the Gagarin Cup playoffs. The Hawks now fly back to Omsk for a do-or-die match in game five, while Lokomotiv should avoid thinking they won the series already. Both sides provided excellent goaltending with 30 saves for Serebryakov and 20 by Isayev, who once again allowed just one goal to the opposition. The Omsk’s goalie will need another strong performance to give Avangard at least a chance in game five.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Alexander Yelesin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points over that span.
Injury list
Avangard: Sergei Boikov.
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s forward Alexander Radulov lines up for his 700th league appearance. He has 266 goals and 475 assists for 741 points in his career. He’s the league’s third all-time scorer, trailing only Vadim Shipachyov and Sergei Mozyakin.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Rushan Rafikov and forward Alexander Polunin may score their 200th league point (currently both at 198).
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10th KHL shutout.
Avangard’s forward Danil Bashkirov may line up for his 300th league appearance.
Avangard’s forward Nikolai Prokhorkin may record his 200th assist in the KHL (currently at 199).
Avangard plays its 200th game in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
