AK Bars crush Dinamo to become second KHL finalist
Published 28 March, 2009, 11:54
AK Bars will play Lokomotiv in the final of the KHL. The Kazan side booked their place after clinching their fourth victory in their best-of-seven series against Dinamo.
After losing their last game in Kazan, Dinamo knew they had to win on home ice to stay in the series, and the Blue and Whites made it clear from the start they were out to attack.
First, Mathias Veinhandl wasted two great chances to give the hosts the lead, then Dmitry Shitikov also had bad luck, failing to make the final touch after a classy attack.
However, the goalless first period was followed by an early goal in the second.
Type your cut contents here.The home side's pressure finally paid off when Aleksey Kalyuzhny pushed the puck into the visitors' goal to give Dinamo a 1-0 lead.
Moments later, Karel Rachunek had a great chance to extend the Blue and White's lead while playing one man down, but he failed to score, and AK Bars were quick to punish that wasted chance when Aleksey Badyukov tied the game.
Dinamo's last glimpse of hope to gain a KHL final spot faded fast in the third period when Oleg Petrov cashed in, putting AK Bars in front 2-1.
The result was put beyond doubt as Yukka Hentunen's empty-netter made it 3-1 just seconds before the final whistle.
The win made it 4-2 for the Kazan team in the best-of-seven series.
AK Bars went through to the first ever KHL (Continental Hockey League) final and will battle Lokomotiv Yaroslavl for the Gagarin Cup. The first match of the series is scheduled for April 2.
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