Lokomotiv now takes over Traktor's position.
Fresh Take:
The continental showdown between Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Fonbet playoffs took a thrilling turn as the Yaroslavl team claimed victory in game two, ties the series at 1-1. In a nail-biting clash, Lokomotiv bounced back from their initial loss, proving that they're not done fighting just yet.
The stage is now set for the next two games in Chelyabinsk, where the black-and-whites will be eager to retake the lead in the best-of-seventh series.
Before the second match, Traktor seemed to have the weight lifted off their shoulders, having practically fulfilled the minimum away program. In stark contrast, Lokomotiv was under immense pressure to even the score before heading to Chelyabinsk. This wasn't their first rodeo though – they've been in similar situations before in the quarter-finals against Avangard and the semi-finals against Salavat Yulaev.
Fortunately, key players such as Artur Kayumov, who suffered from a heavy hit in the previous match, and Richard Panik, who returned from a broken jawbone, were back in action for Lokomotiv. Panik, an experienced player with a stellar professional career in the NHL, managed to make a speedy recovery and played the game while wearing a special protective mask.
From the opening faceoff, Lokomotiv displayed high intensity, trying to overwhelm Traktor. The duo of Alexander Radulov and Egor Sorin created numerous dangerous chances, but Traktor goalie Zach Fucale was up to the task. Fucale thwarted multiple shots, including a power play opportunity, ensuring Traktor held their ground.
Despite Lokomotiv's aggressive play, it was Traktor who opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal. Defenseman Martin Grenat missed a loose puck in the opposing zone, allowing Charles Robinson to capitalize. Robinson showed off his variety of skills, proving he's more than just a physical force, while Lokomotiv struggled to find that same level of finesse. Fucale saved 13 shots in the first period, with another 12 being blocked by the skaters.
In the second period, the duo of Radulov-Surin reminded everyone of their threat when Surin aimed for Fucale one-on-one. Although he didn't score, Alexander Polunin capitalized on a similar opportunity, putting the puck past the goalie on a rebound. Lokomotiv added some physicality to their game, with Maxim Shalunov knocking out Robinson and Stephen Campbell taking a hit from Pavel Kraskovsky. Lokomotiv pressed hard, but Traktor remained resilient, with Vasily Glotov coming close to giving them the lead, only to hit the post.
Lokomotiv finally made their pressure count, as Radulov broke through the Chelyabinsk defense and set up a goal by Georgiy Ivanov. Although Radulov was credited with an assist, he could have scored himself, hitting the post and the crossbar multiple times.
Traktor was fortunate to only concede two goals and stay in the game going into the third period.
In the series opener, Traktor managed to clinch the win thanks to a goal-scoring duo in the final minute. But in the second game, Lokomotiv barely gave them any chances and came close to increasing their lead. Surin had two dangerous shots on Fucale, but Maxim Berezkin sealed the deal with a goal when he found himself in a trio with Ivanov and Radulov. Lokomotiv scored again, with Nikita Kiryakov adding an empty-net goal to prevent a comeback attempt. The final score was 4-1, with Lokomotiv claiming an important victory.
The third game of the Gagarin Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, May 17.
Alexander Ilyin
The thrilling turn of events in the Fonbet playoffs shows no signs of slowing down, as the sports world eagerly awaits the next clash in hockey between Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and Traktor Chelyabinsk in Chelyabinsk. With key players like Richard Panik, whose professional career in the NHL shines brightly, back in action, it's anyone's game in this best-of-seventh series.
