Lokomotiv Yaroslavl vs Metallurg Magnitogorsk Prediction 22 April 2024

On April 22, the third match of the Gagarin Cup final between Lokomotiv and Metallurg will take place. The series has moved to Yaroslavl with a score of 2-0 in favor of the "foxes". The second match turned out to be quite modest in terms of productivity, although there were even more moments created in it than in the first. Will the teams please the audience with bright hockey, gathered at the "Arena 2000 Lokomotiv" in Yaroslavl?

Lokomotiv simply did not notice the resistance of Traktor in the semifinals, but so far the final series is not going well for the team. The "railwaymen" are creating moments, however, there is simply no realization. In the second meeting, Igor Nikitin's proteges outplayed the opponent, although, being behind in the score, they often shot from not the most advantageous positions. At the same time, the Yaroslavl team organized a quality final assault and even equalized the score, but Ivanov's puck was canceled.

Metallurg, however, struggled to get past Avtomobilist – the series stretched over all seven matches. But so far, the team is doing great in the final, although both previous meetings were tense. Zernov's puck, which brought victory to the "foxes" in the second game, was scored in equal strength after a quick counterattack, but the majority of Andrey Razin's charges was limping. The "steelworkers" hardly created any threats during the numerical advantage.

Probable lineups:

Lokomotiv: Isaev – Sergeyev, Rafikov – Berezkin, Ivanov, Kayumov

Metallurg: Nabokov – Press, Maklyukov – Silantyev, Zernov, Kantserov

Lokomotiv has nowhere to retreat. On home ice, it is necessary to take risks and try to take the first victory. The hosts will be forced to play less cautiously, and this is where Metallurg's chance lies. We believe that the guests will manage to score at least twice.