In a thrilling conclusion to their semifinal series, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl secured their place in the 2026 Gagarin Cup Final. The decisive seventh game against Avangard Omsk at Arena-2000-Lokomotiv required two overtime periods before a winner could be determined.
The match was a back-and-forth affair that ended regulation time tied at three goals apiece. Neither team could break the deadlock in the first overtime, pushing the contest into a second extra period. It was there, at the 89-minute mark, that Lokomotiv forward Maxim Berezkin delivered the series-winning goal.
Berezkin's precise shot found the corner of the net behind Avangard goaltender Nikita Serebryakov, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The crucial play was set up by an assist from teammate Artur Kayumov. The 4-3 victory marked the end of a hard-fought seven-game series between the two clubs.
With this win, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl advances to the championship round of the Kontinental Hockey League's premier tournament. Their opponent in the Gagarin Cup Final will be Ak Bars Kazan, who earned their spot through the other side of the playoff bracket.
The final series is scheduled to begin on May 11th in Yaroslavl, giving Lokomotiv home-ice advantage to start the championship round. The team will look to carry the momentum from their dramatic semifinal victory into the final showdown.
The video of Berezkin's series-clinching goal is available through official KHL channels, as the league holds the broadcast rights to all playoff footage. Fans can view the decisive moment on the official website of the Continental Hockey League.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.