In a dramatic conclusion to their semifinal series, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl emerged victorious over Avangard Omsk with a 4-3 win in double overtime. The decisive seventh game, held at Yaroslavl's Arena-2000, sent the home team through to the 2026 Gagarin Cup Final.
The match began with a lightning-fast start from the hosts. Lokomotiv forward Nikita Kiryanov opened the scoring just 25 seconds into the first period, setting an early tone. However, Avangard responded with authority, netting three consecutive goals from Alexander Volkov, Konstantin Okulov, and Joseph Cecconi to seize control of the game.
Facing elimination, Lokomotiv mounted a furious comeback. With only 30 seconds remaining in the second period, Maxim Shalunov fired a precise shot under the crossbar to cut the deficit. The momentum carried into the third period, where Yegor Surin found the equalizer at the 52-minute mark, forcing the contest into overtime.
The tension escalated through a scoreless first overtime period. The winner, and the series, was finally decided in the second extra frame. At the 89-minute mark of the game, Lokomotiv's Maxim Berezkin scored the golden goal, clinching the series 4-3 and sparking celebrations in Yaroslavl.
This victory propels Lokomotiv into the championship round. They will face Ak Bars Kazan for the Gagarin Cup. The final series is scheduled to begin on May 11th in Yaroslavl.
The intense on-ice battles were captured in a photo report by special correspondent Ekaterina Chistova, showcasing the raw emotion of the players throughout the high-stakes encounter.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.