How Avangard – Lokomotiv will play on April 30: team uniforms, analytics and forecast

The 2025/2026 KHL playoffs are entering a crucial phase. The semi-final series of the Gagarin Cup between Avangard and Lokomotiv has already given the fans vivid emotions, and the score in the confrontation after three matches is 2:1 in favor of the Omsk team. The fourth meeting will be held in Omsk, and for the hawks this is a great chance to regain the advantage of two wins, and for the Railwaymen it is an opportunity to even the series and transfer it to Yaroslavl with a positive attitude. Both teams are showing character and are ready to fight to the end for reaching the finals. The history of the confrontation and the forecast for the outcome of the meetings are in the Izvestia material.

Form of commands

Under the leadership of Guy Boucher, Avangard confidently passed the previous stages and made a strong start in the semifinals. In the first two matches in Yaroslavl, the Hawks prevailed with scores of 5:2 and 3:1, showing excellent implementation and discipline. In the third game on home ice, Omsk led 2-0 after the first period (Martynov and Sharipzyanov scored), but in the second they allowed Lokomotiv to turn the match around and lost 2:4. Despite the defeat, Avangard remains the favorite of the series due to the depth of the squad, speed and experience of key performers — Okulov, Poturalski, Sharipzyanova.

Bob Hartley's Locomotive was one of the most stable teams in the regular season, and it shows character in the playoffs. After two defeats, Yaroslavl finally exploded in Omsk: they won back from 0:2 and won 4:2. Goals by Radulov, Panik and other leaders gave the team confidence. Loko is traditionally strong in discipline, majority play and reliable defense, but needs stability throughout the entire 60 minutes. The coaching staff will certainly focus on minimizing mistakes in their area.

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The semifinals of the Gagarin Cup are held with different moods

Match scenario, game forecasts

The series turned out to be persistent and eventful: lots of goals, tough fighting and tactical nuances. Avangard looks slightly preferable due to the home advantage and higher tempo, but Lokomotiv has already proved that it is capable of comebacks. Face-to-face meetings in this playoff confirm that Omsk is traditionally stronger at home, but you can't relax - Yaroslavl is dangerous in counterattacks and standards.

Intense, pragmatic hockey is expected, with an emphasis on defense and discipline. The realization of the majority and the play of the goalkeepers will decide a lot. Avangard usually dominates shots and possession on their ice, so a scenario with a minimum score or a victory for the hosts in regular time is likely. Nevertheless, the series has already shown that one disastrous period can turn everything around.

The meeting of Avangard and Lokomotiv will take place on April 30 at 16:30 Moscow time at the G-Drive Arena in Omsk.