KHL finals: Loko hunt down Snow Leopards in Yaroslavl
Published: 05 April, 2009, 18:56
Favorites Lokomotiv Yaroslav have gone into a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven series against AK Bars in the KHL finals, beating the visitors from Kazan 3-0.
Lokomotiv was again first to score as they punished the guests for their first foul using the power play. After a strong shot by Aleksandr Galimov the puck ricocheted from the banking board and came to Marcus Nilson, who hammered it past AK Bars keeper Fredrik Norrena, kicking things off 1-0.
The ex-NHL superstar Aleksey Yashin doubled the score in the second period and once again AK Bars were a man down when Czech Zbynek Irgl struck, converting yet another power play for his team, making it 2-0.
The guests had a great chance to return into the game when Dmitry Semen received a 20-minute penalty for stabbing, but Loko stood firm in their defense, giving the Snow Leopards little chance during their five-minute power play.
When the squads leveled, Yaroslavl got their third dose of Loko punishment. The puck took a deflection from Juhan Okerman’s stick after a kick from Vitaly Akikeyenko.
AK Bars, who launched an impressive comeback two days ago and won Game Two of the series despite being three goals down, couldn’t repeat their miracle a second time.
This time coach Kari Heikkila’s men were a lot more attentive on the day and maintained the 3-0 score till the very end.
Lokomotiv are 2-1 ahead in the battle for the Gagarin Cup, with Match Four of the series to take place in Yaroslavl on April 6.
28.03.2009, 11:54
AK Bars crush Dinamo to become second KHL finalistAK Bars will play Lokomotiv in the final of the KHL. The Kazan side booked their place after clinching their fourth victory in their best-of-seven series against Dinamo. |
06.04.2009, 22:56
AK Bars makes it 2-all in KHL finalsAK Bars have once again leveled their final KHL series against Lokomotiv. The series now stands at two-games each after the Kazan side won the latest encounter 5-2 in Yaroslavl. |
