Lokomotiv Yaroslavl vs Metallurg Magnitogorsk Prediction 24 April 2024

After three matches in the Gagarin Cup final, the series score is 0-3. Lokomotiv is on the brink of disaster, while Metallurg is one step away from claiming the trophy. Could the game scheduled for April 24 at the “Arena 2000 Lokomotiv” in Yaroslavl be the last?

In the third match, Lokomotiv did everything possible to turn the tide of the confrontation. From the first seconds, the hosts attacked the opponent's goal, creating a plethora of opportunities, but once again, their execution failed them, forcing the “railwaymen” to play catch-up. Thanks to Georgy Ivanov's efforts, the match went into overtime, but it ended quickly there. Isaev's mistake after an unexpected puck rebound off the board, and Igor Nikitin's team is on the verge of a catastrophe.

For most of the match, Metallurg patiently endured, waiting for their chances in quick breaks. It was very dangerous at Nabokov's goal, but the visiting goalkeeper coped with the pressure, deflecting 32 shots. If not for the spectacular performance of their goalkeeper, the “foxes” simply would not have made it to overtime, where Petunin made his mark. Alexander scored a bizarre goal, but it was no less important for that. Magnitka is one victory away from the coveted trophy!

Projected lineups:

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

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

The hosts find themselves in a dire situation. The “railwaymen” are certainly not playing worse than their opponent, but the puck just won't go into the goal. But at some point, luck must surely turn their way? We believe that in the fourth game, Lokomotiv will not lose, at least in regular time.