Traktor No Longer Controls Their Own Destiny, Currently Out of the Playoffs With One Game Left

March 2, 2014 10:01 pm

In KHL action on Saturday, Admiral jumped into the East’s final playoff spot with a 3-1 home win over Metallurg Novokuznetsk. On Sunday, Traktor Chelyabinsk, who still had control of their own destiny with a game in hand, had a chance to leapfrog Admiral if the could beat Torpedo.

They could not.

Washington Capitals prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov had three shots on goal in 22:55 of ice time, once again the most among Traktor forwards. Traktor would fail to score and lose 1-0.

This sets up a very exciting and straightforward final day of the KHL regular season on Tuesday. If Admiral wins in any form or fashion, Traktor will not make the playoffs, potentially making Kuznetsov available to play in the NHL.

Admiral takes on the worst team in the KHL on Tuesday, Amur, at home. Meanwhile, Traktor will play (Peter’s favorite team) Ak Bars – the KHL’s fourth best team.

For what it’s worth, Kuznetsov did not seem to upset after failing to win Sunday. An hour after the game, Kuzya wished Alex Ovechkin, “his buddy,” good luck ahead of Washington’s game against the Flyers.