Lokomotiv Yaroslavl secured a 3-1 victory over Ak Bars Kazan in the opening game of the 2026 Gagarin Cup final series, played at Arena-2000-Lokomotiv on May 11. The home team now leads the best-of-seven series 1-0.
The scoring opened at 21:02 of the second period when Lokomotiv forward Alexander Radulov netted the first goal, assisted by Surin and Shalunov, at 5-on-5. Just 46 seconds later, Maxim Beryozkin doubled the lead at 21:48. Byron Froese added a third goal on the power play at 35:36, with assists from Radulov and Gernat. Ak Bars’ Mitchell Miller pulled one back on the power play at 47:06, with Galimov and Khmelevski providing the helpers, but the visitors could not complete the comeback.
The Gagarin Cup playoffs run from March 23 to May 23, 2026. The next games in the final series are scheduled for May 13, 15, 17, and if necessary, May 19, 21, and 23.
In other hockey news, Nefteyanik Almetyevsk defeated Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk 3-2 in the sixth game of their VHL playoff semifinal series on Monday. This tied the series at 3-3. Alexei Saveliev and Maxim Maltsev scored for Yugra, while Yuri Platonov, Artyom Onishko, and Alexander Rakhimullin replied for the hosts. The decisive seventh game will take place on May 13 in Khanty-Mansiysk.
Lokomotiv head coach Bob Hartley praised veteran forward Alexander Radulov after the game. When asked about Radulov’s demeanor with teammates and media, Hartley said, “Sometimes he talks, sometimes he doesn’t. He’s our leader. His actions on the ice speak for him. Look at the work he did on the first goal. He’s 39 years old, and I have immense respect for him.”
Regarding whether Radulov carries extra motivation after being let go by Ak Bars, Hartley added, “His main quality is that he wants to beat everyone. I’ve coached him all season, coached against teams he played for, and followed him in the NHL. I’ve never coached anyone with his level of commitment. I don’t think he needs motivation from the past. He always plays with high dedication. I wish it were contagious. He’s like a lion.”
