Lokomotiv defeated SKA and topped the West conference rankings

Yaroslavl Lokomotiv began their away series with a victory over their “sworn” rival, St. Petersburg SKA. Roman Rotenberg’s team had repeatedly and convincingly defeated Lokomotiv in previous seasons. But January 5 did not become a stumbling block for the Yaroslavl “locomotive”.

The home team opened the scoring in the 10th minute of the first period. And throughout the game they actively attacked the Lokomotiv goal. Isaev, the goalkeeper of the Yaroslavl club, stopped 27 shots on target.

But the “locomotive” turned out to be more persistent and stable than its opponent. Artur Kayumov scored a goal in the 38th minute, and Georgy Ivanov scored in the third period.

Igor Nikitin, head coach of Lokomotiv, commenting on the victory, said that the team won thanks to strong-willed qualities.

“There were times when we got a lot of shots. We played against a good team that has enough skill. Without this, such an opponent cannot be beaten. A baptism of fire took place for But and Akmaldinov. They didn’t flinch,” Nikitin said at the post-match press conference.

Thanks to the victory, the Yaroslavl club scored 66 points and took the lead in the West conference. In terms of points, Lokomotiv is equal to Metallurg Magnitogorsk, which is the leader in the East conference. But Lokomotiv played 2 fewer games.

The away series will continue in Chelyabinsk. Lokomotiv will play away against Traktor.