Kuznetsov scores in the final seconds and Salavat Yulaev continues in the KHL playoffs

Salavat Yulaev beat Avtomobilist 4-3 in the second overtime of game 6 and advanced to the second phase of the Copa Gagarin playoffs. The match took place this Thursday in Ufa and ended with a decisive goal from Sheldon Rempal. Evgeny Kuznetsov drew the score four seconds before the end of regulation time, after Avtomobilist led 3-2 with a goal from Roman Gorbunov 35 seconds before the final whistle. The victory guaranteed the home team’s classification in the series, which was 3-2.

The confrontation recorded equal scores in each period of normal time, with 1-1 in the first, 1-1 in the second and 1-1 in the third. Avtomobilist took a lead at the end, but Salavat Yulaev’s reaction forced extra time. In extra time, the teams maintained high intensity, with chances on both sides until the play that defined the result in the 81st minute of the game.

Decisive players score at critical moments of the match

Evgeny Kuznetsov took on a central role in Salavat Yulaev’s reaction. The striker tied the match in a 6-on-5 situation and also provided the assist for Rempal’s winning goal.

Maxim Kuznetsov opened the scoring for the home team with a precise low shot in the first period. Jack Rodwald deflected a long-range shot from Alexei Vasilevsky to equalize in the second half.

Avtomobilist responded with goals from Brooks Macek and Maxim Denezhkin, in addition to the goal from Roman Gorbunov that seemed to decide the game. Ecaterimburgo’s team pressed hard, especially at the beginning and end of the periods, but were unable to hold on to their advantage.

Teams alternate dominance and take advantage of power plays unequally

Avtomobilist started the match actively, with strong pressure on Salavat Yulaev’s defense. The visiting team created several opportunities with shots from different positions, although they suffered a penalty for having too many players in the opening minutes.

In the second period, Ecaterimburgo’s team took advantage of the numerical advantage and expanded with Denezhkin. Salavat Yulaev found space in counterattacks and positional attacks to equalize the score. The visitors also had a goal disallowed after a review by the referees.

In the third period, penalties continued to influence the pace. Salavat Yulaev resisted the final pressure from Avtomobilist and exploited numerical superiority in the last seconds to force extra time. The fans present in the packed arena intensely supported the home team throughout the match.

Salavat Yulaev are headed to the Second Round!

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— KHL (@khl_eng)April 2, 2026

Extra time details show balance until the final move

The first extra time had clear chances for both sides. Brooks Macek almost decided for Avtomobilist in a contact move, while Yegor Suchkov and Grigory Panin responded with powerful shots for Salavat Yulaev. Goalkeeper Evgeny Alikin suffered a shock, but remained in the game.

The teams avoided unnecessary penalties and kept a clean game. Salavat Yulaev patiently managed the actions until the second extra time.

Sheldon Rempal received a pass from Evgeny Kuznetsov and finished in the characteristic position to score the goal that classified the team Ufa. The 4-3 victory in the second overtime ended the series 4-2 for Salavat Yulaev.

Lineup and individual highlights confirm the intensity of the confrontation

Evgeny Kuznetsov played on the second line as a center, while Danil Alalykin was moved to the third line alongside Artem Pimenov and Petr Khokhryakov. Salavat Yulaev saw Kuznetsov return to his usual position.

Via Avtomobilist, coach Nikolai Zavarukhin kept the lineup unchanged. Stepan Khripunov, scorer of three goals in the previous game, sought to score his 500th goal in the KHL, but failed in this match. Anatoly Golyshev and other attackers created good opportunities, especially on counterattacks.

The game recorded a high number of kicks and physical disputes. Goalkeepers Semyon Vyazovoy, from Salavat Yulaev, and Evgeny Alikin, from Avtomobilist, made important saves throughout the opening 80 minutes plus extra time.

Avtomobilist demonstrates competitiveness despite elimination

Ecaterimburgo’s team extended the series by winning the fifth game 5-2 at home, highlighted by Stepan Khripunov’s hat-trick. In the sixth match, Avtomobilist led twice and pressed until the final seconds, showing defensive organization and efficiency in transitions.

Despite the defeat, the visiting team left the series with competitive performances against Salavat Yulaev. Copa Gagarin’s playoff campaign highlighted their ability to react in difficult moments.

Salavat Yulaev is now preparing for its next opponent in the second phase of the competition. The dramatic victory at home reinforces the positive moment of the team led by Viktor Kozlov, which demonstrated resilience and collective quality in extra time.