Orsha’s “Lokomotiv”, thanks to the victory over Novopolotsk’s “Khimik” with a score of 4:1, for the first time since the 2019/2020 season, qualified for the playoffs.

In the first period, in response to the goal by Daniil Rogach, the Novopolotsk team successfully converted a power play. The puck was scored by Maxim Kamenkov.

The second period was fought evenly, with chances for success on both sides. However, the third segment of the match was dominated by Lokomotiv. Goals by Evgeny Okstentyuk and Ilya Rychkov brought the Orsha team closer to the coveted stage of the championship. Khimik went all-in, sending out a sixth skater instead of the goalie. But this did not lead to success. Ilya Balabolkin hit the empty net, putting an end to the match.

– Of course, we are immensely happy with the victory, which allowed us to reach the playoffs. The city and the fans have been waiting for this for a long time. We are satisfied with the result. The guys did great today, played like a real team. I can't really single anyone out – everyone tried, each in their own way. We played reliably in defense and effectively in the third period. The first two-thirds were very tense, with a score of 1:1. Therefore, the balance could have tipped in either direction. I specifically didn't tell the guys that the game would go until a goal was scored, – summed up the match the head coach of Lokomotiv Igor Zhylinski.

The Orsha team will meet Yunost in the quarterfinals.

This season, the teams have met four times. In September in Orsha, the Minsk team was stronger twice – 1:3 and 2:4. In January in Minsk, the Orsha team won the first match of the mini-series – 0:3, but lost the second match – 4:3.

The playoff draw starts on March 8. In the quarterfinals, participants will play series up to four wins. Yunost, finishing higher in the regular championship, gets the home-ice advantage. The exact start time of all matches will be announced later.

Source: orshanka.by