Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and Ak Bars Kazan to Face Off in KHL Western Conference Finals

Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Upsets SKA Saint Petersburg, Advances to Western Conference Finals

Lokomotiv Yaroslavl has advanced to the Western Conference Finals of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) after upsetting SKA Saint Petersburg in the second round of the playoffs. Lokomotiv won the series in seven games, with the series-clinching goal coming in overtime of Game 7. This is the first time that Lokomotiv has reached the Western Conference Finals since 2014.

Lokomotiv's victory is a major upset, as SKA Saint Petersburg was the top seed in the Western Conference during the regular season. However, Lokomotiv played a strong series and was able to take advantage of SKA's mistakes. Lokomotiv's goaltending was also a key factor in the series, as Ivan Bocharov made several key saves in the series-clinching game.

Ak Bars Kazan Advances to Western Conference Finals After Defeating CSKA Moscow

Ak Bars Kazan has also advanced to the Western Conference Finals after defeating CSKA Moscow in the second round of the playoffs. Ak Bars won the series in six games, with the series-clinching goal coming in the third period of Game 6. This is the second straight year that Ak Bars has reached the Western Conference Finals.

Ak Bars is the defending KHL champion and is one of the most successful teams in the league. Ak Bars has a deep and talented roster, led by forwards Nikita Gusev and Alexander Burmistrov. Ak Bars also has a strong goaltending tandem in Timur Bilyalov and Adam Reideborn.

Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and Ak Bars Kazan to Face Off in Western Conference Finals

Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and Ak Bars Kazan will face off in the Western Conference Finals starting on Wednesday, March 22. The series is expected to be a close one, as both teams are evenly matched. Lokomotiv has the home-ice advantage, but Ak Bars has more experience in the playoffs. The winner of the series will advance to the KHL Finals.