CSKA - Ak Bars - 3: 2. Account in the series: 1-2
Alexey Polyakov
You saw what was going on in the first semifinal match, where Metallurg and Vanguard met. We saw the pressure exerted on the judges! And how nervous they were because of this. Not everything was smooth in the series between CSKA and Ak Bars. Vyacheslav Bykov expressed claims against the referees both after the first game and after the second. Although it was funny to say that CSKA lost because of them.
Aleksey Polyakov, fortunately, did not disappoint, proving his high level. Although he had a hard time. The fact is that the owners of the ice brought the television picture into the hall. And almost all the time, fans could watch the repetitions of controversial moments live. Yes, it is prohibited by IIHF rules. And Vyacheslav Bulanov, who watched the meeting, pointed this out to the army team. But they did not really listen.
It is important that during the time the game was shown, Polyakov did not make a single mistake that could be challenged. And gave the players, as well as the fans, great hockey. Still, they know how to judge in Russia if they want to.
Alexander Nikulin
The forward of the fourth link of CSKA scored the winning goal, and after the game he acted as if there was no sensation.
“Are you shaved, Alexander?” - the journalists were surprised. - But what about the signs?
“Yes, what signs are there,” the striker dismissed. - They don’t play hockey.
By the way, Nikulin, who missed part of the season due to an injury, believes that the fifth match is inevitable. And not the fact that the one whom everyone considers as the favorite will win.
Alexey Morozov
We are used to the fact that Morozov scores points in every game. And if you don’t gain, then this is called a sensation (there were only 11 such matches in the championship). No one will argue that Kazan is largely dependent on the game of this striker. So, in the third match of the semifinal series Morozov played surprisingly gray. Instead of some reasonable actions, there is a constant criticism of the partners in the troika. Inaccurate passes, low shots on target. CSKA will be very lucky if such a Morozov happens again ...
What's next
There are doubts that Ak Bars will play the fool half the match in the fourth meeting of the series. Although it is still unclear why the leopards did not play at full speed. One thing - underestimated the opponent. Another, if tired and better than just can not. The first symptoms appeared in the quarterfinal, against Chemist. In addition, the first link is not playing very well. And I would also like to know what is the reason.
The most interesting thing is that the army team did not play perfectly. Again received penalty minutes out of the blue. That is, they have room to grow. For example, in the next meeting, eliminate unnecessary fouls. If it works out, you see, it will come to the fifth match.
Alexey Shevchenko